Brunei Darussalam
May 28, 2024

Capping off the first day of his State Visit to Brunei Darussalam, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced a state banquet hosted by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the Istana Nurul Iman.

In his remarks, the President conveyed his deep gratitude to His Majesty for the invitation extended to him to embark on a state visit and the kind hospitality accorded by the Royal Family and the people of Brunei to him, the First Lady and the entire Philippine delegation.

“This reflects the warm relations that our countries have had for a very long time now,” he said.

He also noted the timeliness of his visit as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“It is also particularly important that we conduct this state visit as we are now presently faced by many global challenges for which Brunei and the Philippines have very many common interests,” President Marcos Jr. added.

For his part, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said that the President’s visit is a strong testament to the two countries’ strong friendship and close relations since diplomatic relations were established 40 years ago.

He remembered the first visit of the Philippine leader in 1984 when he accompanied his father, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, during Brunei’s inaugural national day celebration, saying that the enduring ties being enjoyed by both nations in all levels today reflect the shared history and accomplishments initiated and built by the Chief Executive’s father.

The two leaders underscored the signed agreements that they witnessed earlier on maritime cooperation, tourism and agriculture as these will further contribute to the continuing growth and development of both the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.

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