The Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino and Brunei Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah have been committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation
between their two countries.

They made the commitment at a meeting in Manila on April 16 during Hassanal’s state visit to the Philippines .

During the meeting, Aquino pledged to enhance cooperation with Brunei
and all Southeast Asian nations, not only through economic and
cultural engagements, but also through dialogue for maritime.

He also thanked Brunei for hosting 21,000 Filipinos who have been living and working there.

Hassanal said that as ASEAN chair for this year, Brunei will continue
to work closely with the Philippines towards achieving concrete
outcomes in economic growth and social progress, and in promoting
regional peace and stability.

He assured the Philippine President
of Brunei’s continuous support for the ongoing peace process between the
Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Brunei is part of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team,
which has been overseeing the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine
government and the MILF./.