Duterte to visit Thailand to discuss possible defense ties

MANILA, Philippines — Issues of mutual concern including political, economic, agriculture, energy, education and defense cooperation will be discussed in the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Duterte is scheduled to undergo an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from March 20 to 22.

"President Duterte is expected to share with Thai officials information on various developments in the country, as well as the priorities and programs of the Philippines for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Duterte will also meet members of the Filipino community in Thailand. More than 16,000 Filipinos live and work in Thailand.

The Philippines-Thailand bilateral relations will reach 68 years in June. The relations between the two countries have always been vibrant since its establishment in 1949.

Chan-o-cha last visited the Philippines in November 2015 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting, which the country hosted.

The Thai prime minister is expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in the Philippines this year. — Patricia Lourdes Viray