State Banquet at Brunei Darussalam
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah hosted a State Dinner for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and members of the Philippine delegation at the Royal Banquet Hall inside the Istana Nurul Iman.
In his statement, the Sultan said that the visit of President Duterte reaffirms the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Brunei. Sultan Bolkiah also congratulated the Chief Executive for having been elected president in the May 2016 national election.
“We, in Brunei, admire your personal achievements as the Mayor of Davao in making the city business-friendly and attaining impressive economic growth. I am confident that under your leadership, Davao’s success will be replicated throughout the Philippines and bring inclusive growth to your people,” His Majesty said, adding that the government of Brunei very much appreciates the efforts of the 23,000 Filipinos in the country who have contributed in the development of Brunei’s economy.
Moreover, the Sultan mentioned the outstanding defense cooperation of the two countries. He said that since 2004, the Philippines and Brunei have worked closely together in promoting peace and stability in Mindanao. Aside from this, the two nations would continue to team up under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) for the sub-region’s growth and development, including the nurturing of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Lastly, Sultan Bolkiah congratulated and extended Brunei’s support to the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2017, and conveyed his nation’s wishes to President Duterte and the Filipino people for lasting peace, happiness and prosperity.
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE</br> DURING THE STATE BANQUET HOSTED BY HIS MAJESTY</br> SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH</br> Royal Banquet Hall, Green Room, Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei Darussalam</br> October 17, 2016</br> Your Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan Yang-Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the members of the Royal Family, other distinguished guests. Good evening. Assalamu alaykum. I am honoured, Your Majesty, by the warm welcome for me and the entire Philippine delegation. Your sincere hospitality reaffirms the esteemed friendship that is always valued deeply by my people. We will continue to work closely to maintain the excellent ties between our nations and peoples. In the histories of our countries, we have faced many common challenges that each of us managed eventually to overcome. We have explored and forged several undertakings and further cemented our special relations. This benefitnot us, but all of nations.
We have much to look forward as we work together for the greater peace, progress and prosperity. In store for us are many opportunities to further strengthen our partnership—in trade and investments, in political-security cooperation, in the peaceful settlement of disputes, in bringing just and lasting peace to Mindanao, and in building a stronger ASEAN. There is much at stake for our nations and peoples. As true friends, we can only and should count on each other to achieve our shared objectives. Above all, we must continue to view each other with respect, mutual trust and confidence that have defined the Philippines-Brunei relations for the past 32 years. Thank you, Majesty for your crucial role in ensuring excellent relations between Brunei and the Philippines at both the policy and personal level.
The care you have accorded to the Filipinos in Brunei including here at Istana is a living testament of the personal concern and benevolence of Your Majesty for my people.
In times of calamities, Brunei also extends ready and timely assistance to the Philippines. Your Majesty, for these and for the many more reasons, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude. With the deep—well, of goodwill between our nations and peoples, I reiterate the resolve and commitment to value, protect and nurture our special ties. Thank you. ●