MANILA, Philippines — Upon his arrival yesterday from his first state visit to Brunei and his historic participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, President Marcos vowed to continue seeking ways to ensure regional peace and stability.
In a video statement, Marcos described his visits to Brunei and Singapore – his 27th and 28th overseas trips as President – as “productive and engaging.”
“My promise to all Filipinos, we will use every opportunity and continue to build bridges that will ensure a long lasting peace and stability in our region,” the President said.
Marcos arrived at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 3:58 a.m. Much of Marcos’ seven-minute arrival statement was a recap of previous ones made during his engagements in the two Southeast Asian countries, which highlighted the importance of forging stronger ties in key areas like the economy and security.
In Brunei, Marcos met with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to discuss the diplomatic relationship between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan. He said the meeting covered many facets of the two countries’ bilateral relations, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
“We aspired for stronger bilateral cooperation and to work together to ensure that peace and security reigns in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region,” the President said.
Describing the state visit as a “success,” Marcos cited the signing of the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on tourism cooperation; the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers; maritime cooperation, and a letter of intent on agricultural cooperation.
“In addition to these successes on the bilateral front, we also further assured Brunei that it can count on the Philippines’ support on regional affairs as we stated our clear position for Brunei to establish the ASEAN Center for Climate Change,” the Philippine leader said.
Marcos also cited the Philippine Business Forum, which tackled agribusiness, renewable energy, halal development and opportunities in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
He said the event, which drew 200 participants from various Bruneian business sectors, “explored collaborative opportunities and showcased the Philippines’ potential as a significant player in the BIMP-EAGA region.”
The President also met with energy sector executives from companies like Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendiran Berhad, Brunei LNG Sendiran Berhad, Total Energies in Brunei, Serikandi Oilfield Services Sendiran Berhad and the Adinin Group of Companies.
During the meeting, Marcos told energy investors that the Philippines is working to raise the share of renewable energy on top of the current oil and gas energy mix with the help of existing laws, such as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
He also met with members of the Filipino community and reiterated his commitment to ensure their well-being and welfare.
“We will continue to work to realize our dream of being a high-income economy by 2040,” Marcos said.