Brunei to closely work with Philippines on peace efforts

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Saturday said they will continue to support the Philippines in its efforts to ensure peace and stability.

“We will continue to support your government’s efforts in ensuring peace and stability through various initiatives in southern Philippines including our participation in the unification and modification assistance,” Bolkiah told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Marcos then recognized the role the Brunei Sultanate played in the peace process in Mindanao which he said continued despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brunei is a member of the International Monitoring Team and the independent decommissioning body in the said peace process.

“I’m happy to be able to inform, Your Majesty, that the peace process is proceeding along. Although we have extended the Transition Authority for another three years simply because they were unable to do their job during the pandemic,” Marcos said.

“This process — the negotiations between the Bangsamoro and our Muslim brothers and sisters began in 1976 — I believe, is the fruition of that. And we are very happy," he said.

Marcos then informed Bolkiah that a parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be held in 2025, and added he looks forward to having a functioning autonomous government in the south.

Bolkiah in turn commended Marcos for his efforts in attaining peace and prosperity in the BARMM.

Marcos also told Bolkiah he is glad that the Philippines was able to help Brunei's healthcare system especially during the pandemic.

“We are very proud that our healthcare workers, especially during the pandemic where worldwide they have been recognized as they are — for their competence and for their sacrifices,” he said.

Nostalgic

Both leaders turned nostalgic on Saturday as they remembered the ties forged during the term of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president.

The younger Marcos said he witnessed the strong bond between the two countries as a young man.

“We have been witnesses to this growth in our relationship. From the early days when my father came to visit you and I was able to accompany him,” he told Bolkiah.

“I remember I just happened to be in Manila for a vacation from studying in the UK. And my father said, ‘You have to come.’ And I was lucky enough to be able to accompany him and enjoy the hospitality of Your Majesty," Marcos added.

Bolkiah then recalled hosting Marcos Sr. in Brunei during the first National Day celebration in that country in February 1984.

“Since then, our relations have continued to grow stronger. There’s an active exchange between us at all levels. There is a large Filipino community in Brunei. They are an important part of our growth and invaluable contribution to our socioeconomic development,” he said.

Bolkiah is hoping more Filipinos will visit Brunei with more direct flights available between the two countries. —KG, GMA Integrated News