Marcos to Sultan Bolkiah: Nations must cooperate amid geopolitical tensions

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday raised to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah the need for nation-states to cooperate amid geopolitical tensions in the region. 

During his meeting with the oil-rich sultanate ruler, Marcos said the “landscape of our region and of the world is changing in fundamental ways.”

“The challenges brought by climate change, environmental degradation, and geopolitical tensions find it necessary for nation-states to cooperate more closely and more effectively,” Marcos said. 

“I am therefore honored to discuss the state of our countries’ relations, as well as exchange views on regional and international developments with the world's longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state,” he added.

Marcos further acknowledged Brunei’s assistance to the Philippines, especially during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when it donated test kits and vaccines to the country. 

Brunei also helped the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda and Typhoon Odette, according to Marcos. 

The President also thanked Brunei for its help to the Philippines during the oil crises in the 1970s. 

For his part, Bolkiah expressed gratitude to  Marcos for accepting his invitation to visit Brunei as he emphasized that the latter’s state visit is customary to both countries. 

“I’m looking forward to further enhancing our friendship in areas of future interest, which I believe will greatly benefit our countries and people,” Bolkiah told Marcos. 

After 40 years, another Marcos has gone to Brunei to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the Sultanate. 

To recall, late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., accompanied by his son, travelled to Brunei on February 23, 1984 for a state visit to establish diplomatic relations with the Sultanate. —LDF, GMA Integrated News