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Boost To Brunei, Philippine Ties
By M K Anwar in Manila

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam arrived in the Republic of the Philippines yesterday for a three-day state visit to further bolster relations with the country, which has entered its 25th year.

His Majesty's last state visit to the Philippines was in January 2003. The latest visit is on the invitation of the Philippines President Macapagal Arroyo.

Philippines Press Secretary Jesus Dureza on Tuesday said that the visit will see bilateral talks touching on employment, the BIMP-EAGA, connectivity between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines, specifically Mindanao and economic cooperation.

He highlighted that the visit by His Majesty is a very important and significant event.

Preparations for the visit kicked off early this week as Philippines sees Brunei as one of its "strongest allies in Asian". Streets leading to the airbase have been lined with Brunei flags and pictures of His Majesty, as well as welcoming posters greeting the visiting head of state.

His Majesty's visit takes an added significance as this year marks the 259 anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations after formal diplomatic ties between Brunei and the Philippines were established in 1984.

The Manila Bulletin in its editorial carried a welcoming message for His Majesty, Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness. It described His Majesty as one "who gives top priority to the promotion and strengthening of relations of Brunei Darussalam with the outside world".

"He visited many countries around the world and worked in collaborating with other world leaders in addressing regional and global concerns," the editorial said.

The visit will today continue with a packed schedule starting off with a welcome in a ceremony at Malacanang Park. It will be followed by a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Bahay Pangarap and an expanded bilateral meeting.

Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness will have separate engagements.

In the evening, Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness will be attending a State Dinner hosted by President Arroyo at Malacanang Palace.    -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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