Aquino pledges continued cooperation with ASEAN members in Declaration of Conduct of Parties in South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Aquino pledges continued cooperation with ASEAN members in Declaration of Conduct of Parties in South China Sea

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured visiting Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, of continued cooperation in the implementation of the Declaration of e Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and for the adoption of a Code of Conduct.

"As a brother nation in ASEAN, our country is committed to nurturing our relationship. We commit to enhancing cooperation with Brunei and with all Southeast Asian states, not only through economic and cultural engagements, but also through dialogue for maritime security," the President said in his remarks during the ceremonial toast in honor of the Sultan of Brunei.

"This is our pledge to continue working with our neighbors in implementing the commitments of ASEAN member states in the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and in moving forward with negotiations for the adoption of a Code of Conduct," he stressed.

President Aquino expressed confidence that Sultan Bolkiah being the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), "the region will move further along the straight path towards harmony and sustainable progress."

"I look forward to working with Your Majesty in building a Southeast Asia that is truly an abode of peace for all peoples," he said.

Sultan Bolkiah arrived at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on board the Royal Brunei Airlines Airbus (340-212) for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of President Aquino.

He was welcomed by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and local officials of Pasay City.

Brunei is hosting the ASEAN ministerial and leaders’ summit scheduled on April 24-25, 2013.

Sultan Bolkiah, for his part, said his country is looking forward to increased trade and cooperation with the Philippines as he cited the contribution of Filipino workers to the oil-rich kingdom's economy.

"Over the years, our public and private sectors as well as our peoples have established close ties that reflect the quality and strength of our relationship. I am pleased to see our governments working together on projects and initiatives in agriculture, education, defense, and more recently in energy," said Bolkiah during the ceremonial toast held in Malacanang.

"Brunei is happy to be hosting more than 20,000 of your citizens who are making important contribution to our development. I believe that there are also many opportunities for our people to explore in further promoting trade and investment between Brunei and the Philippines," he noted.

Sultan Bolkiah also assured the Philippines of his continued support for the peace process in Mindanao.

Brunei is actively involved in the Mindanao peace process as a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that oversees the implementation of a ceasefire between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"I would like to commend you, Mr. President, for the initiatives you have taken to promote peace and reconciliation in the southern Philippines, and I wish to assure you that Brunei will continue to provide assistance in your peacekeeping efforts," he stressed.

"Since my last visit here five years ago, I am much impressed by the progress and development which has taken place in the Philippines. Mr. President, I am happy to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries," he said.

As this year's ASEAN chair, Sultan Bolkiah said, "Brunei will continue to work closely with the Philippines towards achieving concrete outcomes in economic growth and social progress, and in promoting regional peace and stability."

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