The Philippines' top diplomat leads a humanitarian mission to Myanmar

BANGKOK -- The Philippines’ top diplomat arrived in Myanmar on Wednesday to oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid, as Myanmar’s military-backed government seeks to improve strained relations with its neighbors and other countries.Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro is making the two-day visit in her capacity as Special Envoy on Myanmar for ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Myanmar is part of the regional bloc but has been rebuked by it since the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, plunging the country into a civil war that has displaced millions.The Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Lazaro will lead an ASEAN Monitoring Team mission to distribute humanitarian support in Myanmar’s Kayin State, Southern Shan State and Northern Shan State.The aid operation is expected to distribute 50-kilogram (110-pound) bags of rice, personal hygiene kits and other essential items to more than 11,000 households through November, said the statement.Lazaro’s visit comes as Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing seeks to improve the image of his military-backed government to gain political legitimacy abroad. China and Rus...