Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario meet at her home in Yangon February 9, 2012. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met with Myanmar President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The meetings were aimed at strengthening ties between the Philippines and Myanmar.

The Philippines is one of the most outspoken critics of the junta that reigned in Myanmar for decades.

The meeting comes as Western powers have raised the possibility of lifting sanctions on Myanmar if its new civilian government sustains the reforms in the country.

Suu Kyi has been meeting with various foreign officials in recent months.

Suu Kyi, who was freed from house arrest in 2010, will run in her first-ever election in April when she contests one of 48 by-elections for legislative seats.

Strengthening ties

Del Rosario met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein and held discussions with Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin.

Del Rosario said that "this visit is significant because it is taking place when Myanmar is at its crossroads of history."

He congratulated the Myanmar leadership on its political, economic and social reforms, such as :

• the transformation from a military-led government to a constitutional democratic government;
• the release of political prisoners;
• the participation of opposition political parties such as the National League of Democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;
• the ongoing peace process with various ethnic armed groups;
• the passage of a new labor law; and
• the establishment of the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.

The Myanmar President also thanked the Philippines for its support, especially towards the lifting of economic sanctions against the country.

He invited the Philippine business community to invest in various sectors of Myanmar economy such as oil and gas, agriculture, mining, forestry and timber products, development of deep sea ports, infrastructure, among others.
 
A Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, which will discuss issues such as trade and investment, technical cooperation among others, will meet in Manila on June 5 and 6. - With Reuters