PH reaffirms ties with Brunei

President Duterte has reaffirmed the Philippines’ long and enduring ties with Brunei Darussalam during his oneday official visit to the country Friday to attend the Golden Jubilee celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s accession to the throne.

In his words, as quoted by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Duterte had to personally convey his warm greetings to His Majesty and described the Brunei leader as a true friend of the Philippines.

“The President also reaffirmed the long and enduring ties between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam and renewed the special friendship between the two countries,” Abella said in a statement.

“The President has described His Majesty the Sultan as a friend of the Philippines in the truest and most profound sense of the word,” he added.

According to the Palace official, Duterte also recognizes Bolkiah’s principled commitment to the pursuit of just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, the well-being of Filipinos in Brunei Darussalam, and his unequalled efforts to bring the two countries closer to each other.

“The President looks forward to further broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation with Brunei Darussalam, as well as to advancing efforts toward a more peaceful, prosperous and progressive ASEAN,” Abella said.

Duterte returned to Davao City at 1:47 a.m. yesterday.