08 April 2016 - Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex G. Chua met with members of the Pyithu Hluttaw Myanmar Parliament to discuss the strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations between the Philippines and Myanmar on March 29.

U Bo Bo Oo, Secretary of the International Relations Committee expressed hope that relations between the parliamentarians of both countries will be strengthened through the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). He said the Philippines is the inspiration for Myanmar’s march to democratization. Both countries share a common history that exchanges between the two countries’ parliamentarians should be encouraged.

Ambassador Chua also met with members of the Amyotha Hluttaw’s (Upper House) Philippines-Myanmar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Ambassador discussed possible areas of cooperation between the two countries parliamentarians. Dr Htay Kywe, Chairperson of the Philippines-Myanmar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association said the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) welcomes cooperation with other parliaments. He said the establishment of the Philippines-Myanmar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association will help facilitate cooperation between the parliaments of both countries.

Myanmar’s Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) established six inter-parliamentary associations in March 2016. The 10-member Philippines-Myanmar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association is chaired by Dr. Htay Kywe, a National League for Democracy (NLD) party member who was elected as member of Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) for Yangon Region Constituency 1. Dr. Htay Kywe is also the Chairperson of the 15-member Democracy and Human Rights Committee. END