President of the Philippines arrives for official visit to Thailand

BANGKOK, March 21 (TNA) -- President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Thailand for his official visit late last night, where he is scheduled to hold a full panel talk with Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha this late afternoon. The president and his entourage arrived in Thailand as the guests of the Thai government, which is President Duterte's first time in Thailand since taking office. Mr Duterte is on an official visit to Thailand between March 20-22. The president and his delegation arrived at the Military Terminal 2 of Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in Don Muang at 10.55 pm last night, and were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Justice Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana. Today, the president is scheduled to hold a full panel discussion with Gen Prayut at the Government House to strengthen bilateral relations, as well as to promote cooperation in sectors with high potential and would provide mutual benefits for both neighbours, including on trade and investments, tourism, agriculture, energy, and education. Both leaders would also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on various cooperation, such as science and technology, operations under the 2017-2022 tourism cooperation projects, and cooperation between the Philippines Carabao Centre and Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) on how to raise swamp and water buffaloes. The two leaders would also gave a joint press conference after the official meeting. The Thai premier would also host a welcome dinner for the President Duterte and his delegation at the Government House this evening. The president is expected to meet with the Thai private sector and the Philippines community in Thailand before his departure back home tomorrow as well. (TNA)