| Hakim Hayat |
THE leaders of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Philippines reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties that have been shared for so long in many sectors, while anticipating a greater scope for cooperation as there are many opportunities in store in various areas.
In a titah delivered at a state banquet at the Istana Nurul Iman hosted in honour of the Philippines’ newly elected President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s three-day state visit here last evening, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam remarked that the historical links and common heritage that both countries share have cultivated strong ties and mutual understanding.
The monarch went on to say that the strong ties have enabled good cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and investment, labour, defence, health, education and air services, while also acknowledging the economic contribution from some 23,000 Philippine expatriates in Brunei.
“The regular air linkages between our two capitals have made it easier for us to visit one another as well as facilitating economic activities between our businessmen,” His Majesty noted.
His Majesty said that there remains much potential to be tapped in economic cooperation between Brunei and the Philippines, including in reinforcing work in the energy sector, as well as exploring new areas in the Halal industries.
On defence cooperation, the monarch noted the good cooperation both countries share, particularly in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao. “Since 2004, we have worked closely to promote peace and stability in that part of your country. Your personal commitment towards this endeavour is very much appreciated, as it contributes to overall regional security.”
His Majesty conveyed Brunei’s full support to the Philippines which is preparing to take the Chairmanship of Asean next year. “It is important that we strive to be politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible for the benefit of our peoples as outlines in the Asean Community Vision 2025,” the monarch added.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivering the titah.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel in a group photo with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Istana Nurul Iman. – INFOFOTO
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah arriving for the state banquet.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the state banquet. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
Under the sub-regional economic cooperation BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area), His Majesty said, Brunei will continue to work closely with the Philippines to boost growth in the area, including in nurturing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), conserving the environment and enhancing connectivity through infrastructure development and tourism.
On the wider Asia-Pacific region, Brunei looks forward to continuing the initiatives under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including professing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, as well as to establish a competitive service sector.
“I believe these undertakings will complement our efforts towards the Asean Economic Community and provide more opportunities for our people,” His Majesty added.
The monarch also said Brunei looks forward to continuing the close people-to-people contact and deepening the warm and long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile in his speech, President Duterte also praised the excellent ties both countries share, that he said is deeply valued.
“Throughout the history our countries we have faced many common challenges that each of us managed to eventually overcome.
“We have explored and forged several undertakings that further cemented our special relations. This cooperation will continue to be reinforced for the mutual benefit of our nations,” he added.
As both countries strive for greater peace, progress and prosperity, President Duterte said, there are a lot of opportunities to further strengthen the partnership in trade and investments, security cooperation, peaceful settlement of disputes, bringing just and lasting peace to Mindanao and in building a strong Asean.
“Above all, we must continue to view each other with the respect, mutual trust and confidence that have defined the Philippines-Brunei relations for the past 32 years,” he said, while also thanking His Majesty for his role in making the relations excellent between Brunei and the Philippines in many aspects.
Prior to the state banquet, a prayer was recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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