Philippine government, Moro rebels agree on peace agreement; Myanmar President to visit South Korea; Thai delegation visits India; Philippines to host ASEAN Maritime Forum; Malaysian leader calls for more understanding between Indonesia and Malaysia
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  • The President of Philippines Benigno Aquino III said on October 7, 2012 that the government has reached a “framework agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that would pave the way for lasting peace in Mindanao. Aquino described the deal in a nationally televised announcement as a road map for establishing a new autonomous region to be administered by minority Muslims in Mindanao. This new political entity will be called “Bangsamoro.” He lauded the efforts of everyone involved in the peace process, saying the framework agreement is a major breakthrough toward reaching a final peace deal. The framework agreement was concluded during the 32nd formal exploratory peace talks facilitated by panel chairs -- Marvic Leonen of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Mohagher Iqbal of the MILF -- in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.1
    In another development, according to reports, Myanmar President U Thein Sein is to start his visit to South Korea which is believed to further boost bilateral relations and cooperation. At the invitation of his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak, Thein Sein is to pay the three-day visit to South Korea. U Thein Sein is expected to discuss with Lee in Seoul on expanding ties in trade, investment, energy and developmental aid. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional affairs and cooperation in global issues. During Lee's visit to Myanmar in May, he had offered Myanmar expanded loan and aid and increased cooperation on energy and resources development, while U Thein Sein assured Seoul of ceasing to buy conventional weapons from North Korea. 2
    According to the reports, a 12-member Thai delegation recently surveyed Moreh town in Manipur with regard to improving land connectivity between India, Myanmar and Thailand. It held discussions on the early completion of the Mekong Ganga trilateral highway that will connect India with Myanmar and Thailand. The other important issues discussed, dealt with removal of trade bottlenecks and setting up of a rail network between Delhi and Hanoi. 3
    Reports noted that Philippines will host the third Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Maritime Forum (AMF) and the first Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) from October 3 to 5. The event will be attended by representatives from all ten member countries of the ASEAN. The AMF is envisioned to promote maritime cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community framework by serving as the primary venue within ASEAN to discuss cross-cutting maritime issues. Sessions at the third AMF will be chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda F. Basilio and will focus on maritime security and cooperation in Asean, ensuring freedom of navigation and combating sea piracy, and protecting the marine environment and promoting eco-tourism and fishery regimes in East Asia. Experts from international organizations, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (Recaap), will serve as resource speakers during the third AMF. 4

    In other developments, according to reports, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stressed that Malaysia and Indonesia should not let extreme sentiments jeopardise bilateral relations between the two countries. He added that the relationship should be viewed in a wider context, as there were many collaborative areas that both could capitalise on, for their mutual benefit. Speaking in the 5th Malaysia-Indonesia Bilateral Colloquium on October 7 in Putrajaya, he said the synergy that had existed between them for more than 55 years should be fully utilised to raise such collaborations to a higher level.
    In this regard, he said the two governments were determined to tackle and overcome the challenges, apart from strengthening the alliance and good relations between the countries. 5

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