Thai Prime Minister visits India; Malaysia to give $ 35 million to Bangladesh; Philippines to allow greater US military presence in the country; US- Philippines hold bilateral strategic dialogue; Myanmar’s President visits Singapore; Suu Kyi begins campai
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  • According to reports, the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited India from 24- 26 January 2012. She was the Chief Guest at India’s republic day parade. During her visit, India and Thailand inked six pacts in key areas including defence, security and economy. 1

    In another development, Malaysia has agreed to provide $ 35 million to Bangladesh for a state water and sewerage authority project, which will generate an additional 150 million litres of water in Dhaka. A Memorandum of Understanding in that regard was signed on 30 January 2012. 2

    According to reports, the Philippine authorities, on 24 January, 2012, announced that the government is planning to allow the US army to have a greater military presence in its territory. However, it was also made clear that Philippines has no plans to allow a return of the large-scale US military bases that existed in the Philippines until 1992, when Filipino senators voted to close them down. The officials added that the military presence could include “planning more joint exercises to promote interoperability and a rotating and more frequent presence by them.” 3

    According to reports, the United States and the Republic of the Philippines held the second Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on January 26-27 2012, in Washington D.C. on 27 January 2012. A joint statement on second bilateral was issued in which the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the Manila Declaration goals. Among other things, significance of Mutual Defence Treaty was also discussed. 4

    Reports noted that Thein Sein, the President of Myanmar, is scheduled to visit Singapore from 1 February 2012. He will be accompanied by family members and a high-level delegation. The visit is part of Myanmar’s increased efforts to engage ASEAN member countries. 5

    In other develoepmts, according to reports, the pro-democracy leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi started campaigning for her party, National League for Democracy, on 29 January 2012. According to the media reports, Suu Kyi’s popularity and acceptance among the people is still intact, which is likely to favour her in the upcoming elections. The elections in Myanmar are due in April 2012. 6

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