Philippines Foreign Secretary's Visit A Big Success

Bandar Seri Begawan - The visit of the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Mr Blas F. Ople has held successful talks on several issues with his Brunei counterparts.

In an interview yesterday with Radio Television Brunei (RTB) Mr Blas F. Ople said that Brunei and Philippines would conclude several agreements on tourism, merchant shipping and air travel.

According to the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary the talks have been very warm, very cordial and intimate.

His Majesty Sultan of Brunei has expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Filipino community in Brunei. In return, the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary expressed his gratitude for the excellent treatment for the Filipino workers in Brunei.

The Philippines also hoped that Brunei soon would be able to exceed the trilateral agreement on cooperation against terrorism that has been initiated by the Philippines and signed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia.

The Philippine Secretary said if Brunei acceded to the agreement, the country will be in the position to exchange and share information on counter-terrorism.

Earlier, Mr Ople officially opened the new Embassy of the Philippines Chancery in Jalan Tutong.

The Philippine Secretary also met with Philippine citizens who are staying in the sultanate.

There are currently more than 18,000 Filipino workers in Brunei and they include professionals, skilled and unskilled workers.

On the total number 349 are working under contract under for His Majesty's government and most are engaged as teachers, nurses and technicians in various government institutions.

Brudirect.com