The Philippines says it will join efforts in the United Nations to help spur democratic reforms in Burma.

A statement from the Philippine foreign ministry issued on Monday says President Gloria Arroyo told President Bush and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in South Korea last week that Manila continues to support efforts to bring true and meaningful democratic reforms to Burma.

The Philippines is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

The ministry says the Philippines wants Burma to allow a visit from United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail. Manila also has urged the safe and early release of dissident Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the full participation of her National League for Democracy party in Burma's political life.