MANILA: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei vowed his support for the peace process in Mindanao as he reaffirmed his country’s ties with the Philippines.
“I would like to commend you, Mr President, for the initiatives you have taken to promote peace and reconciliation in the southern Philippines, and I wish to assure you that Brunei will continue to provide assistance in your peacekeeping efforts,” Bolkiah said during the state luncheon hosted by the President at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.
“I am much impressed by the progress which has taken place in the Philippines. I am happy to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries,” Bolkiah said.
The sultan thanked Aquino for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his two-day visit. “I am pleased to see our governments working together on projects and initiatives in agriculture, education, defence, and more recently in energy.
“Brunei is happy to be hosting more than 20,000 of your citizens who are making important contributions to our development. I believe that there are also many opportunities for our people to explore in further promoting trade and investment between Brunei and the Philippines,” he said.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
