New PHL envoy presents credentials to Brunei Sultan

Published April 18, 2011 10:53am

Former Armed Forces chief of staff and new Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Nestor Ochoa presented his credentials to Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and Yang Di-Pertuan at the Istana Nurul Iman earlier this month. Ochoa is the eighth Philippine envoy to be assigned to the Sultanate since full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on January 1, 1984, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. "During his audience with His Majesty, Ambassador Ochoa conveyed President Benigno S. Aquino III's personal greetings for the Sultan and members of the royal family, and the President's interest in visiting Brunei Darussalam," the DFA said in a news release over the weekend. During the presentation of credentials on April 5, the Brunei Sultan congratulated Ochoa on his appointment as Ambassador. The Sultan also mentioned that he is looking forward to meeting President Benigno Simeon Aquino III again. Ochoa, on the other hand, expressed his commitment to fulfill Aquino's mandate to strengthen and expand bilateral ties between the Philippines and Brunei. He told the Sultan the new Philippine Chancery, which would be finished by June 2011, symbolized the Philippines' long-term commitment to its relations with Brunei. The Sultan also expressed appreciation for the contribution of Filipinos to Brunei's economy. Ochoa and the Sultan discussed recent developments in Philippine-Brunei bilateral relations particularly the Philippines's technical assistance for the host country in agriculture, one of the most vibrant aspects of their cooperation. "(The Sultan) expressed appreciation for the Philippine government's contribution to agriculture in Brunei and successful cooperation between the two countries in this area," the DFA said. Ochoa also thanked the Sultan for the Brunei government's continued commitment to the peace process in southern Philippines, notably through Brunei's:

participation in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao;

assistance for the Grand Mosque project in Cotabato City;

support for our bid for observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and

scholarships at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) for Filipino Madrasah teachers and school administrators. Earlier, Ochoa was granted an audience with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Princess Hajah Masna at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Bandar Seri Begawan. The two discussed issues of mutual concern to the Philippines and Brunei, including defense cooperation. Before his posting as Philippine envoy to Brunei Darussalam, Ochoa enjoyed a long and distinguished military career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), culminating in his assumption of duties as the Acting Chief of Staff. His services and achievements were recognized through various military medals and awards, including three distinguished service stars. He retired from military service in July 2010. Ochoa, born December 8, 1954 in Ilagan, Isabela, graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in March 1977. He took his Infantry Officer Basic Course at the United States Army Infantry School in 1984-1985. He also finished his General Staff Course at the Australian Army Command and Staff College and Master of Defense Studies at the University of Canberra, Australia in December 1999. â€“ VVP, GMA News

Tags: brunei, nestorochoa