Philippines-Brunei ties boosted
By Tony Alabastro

Philippine-Brunei relation was given a big boost last month when His Majesty the Sultan invited President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to address the 15th meeting of the Pacific Economic Coopera-tion Council, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H. Benavidez said.

"Her (President Arroyo's) presence in Brunei, despite the destablisation attempts in the Philippines at that time, raised to a significant level our country's stature and image," the ambassador told the officers and executive committee members of the Filipino Association during its induction ceremony.

"It put the Philippines back in the radar screens of major regional and international economic players and decision-makers and reinforced the long-standing close ties and mutually beneficial relations between the Philippines and Brunei," Ambassador Benavidez said.

"Following talks between His Majesty and President Arroyo, plans are underway to strengthen air linkages between the Philippines and Brunei, enhance investment, tourism and defence cooperation and implement educational and training programmes especially for Madrasah administrators and teachers in Mindanao," the ambassador said.

"The Philippines recognises Brunei's crucial role and invaluable assistance in the OIC Committee of Eight to help expedite the peace process between the Philippine Government and the MILF in the months ahead," she said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin