PHL, Brunei to ink cooperative agreements

The Philippines and Brunei are expected to sign cooperative agreements on improving relations between the two counties, Acting Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said Wednesday.

"Maybe (they will) come up with some cooperative arrangements to enhance the relationship between Brunei and the Philippines," he told reporters in a briefing in Pasay City.

Bolivar declined to elaborate on the bilateral talks agenda to be taken by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, other than saying the topics would largely cover concerns common to the neighboring states.

"We have issues of common concerns, trans-boundary issues," Bolivar said. "Peace and security in the region is a common concern."

The Sultan and Duterte may also discuss the welfare of Filipinos in Brunei.

"The President has raised this during his visit to Brunei. Maaari rin pong mapag-usapan ulit 'yun," he said.

Duterte went to Brunei for a state visit in October 2016, with the welfare of overseas Filipinos one of the issues discussed. — VDS, GMA News