Phnom Penh, Cambodia
November 12, 2022

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Sultan Bolkiah affirmed his nation’s commitment in supporting the efforts of the Philippine Government towards ensuring peace and stability through various initiatives in southern Philippines. He lauded President Marcos Jr. for his tireless efforts to attain genuine peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

For his part, President Marcos Jr. recognized the significant role of Brunei Darussalam in the Mindanao peace process that continues to proceed despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He informed Sultan Bolkiah that a parliamentary election would be held in BARMM in 2025.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive conveyed to Sultan Bolkiah that he is proud of the Filipino health care workers worldwide, including the ones who assisted Brunei’s healthcare system at the height of the pandemic.

The two (2) countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1984 and have expanded cooperation in the areas of labor, defense, trade and investment, education, health and culture.

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