PH, Brunei ink deals on maritime, agri cooperation

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -  The Philippines and Brunei on Tuesday signed deals with the aim of strengthening ties between the two countries. 

Some of the memoranda of understanding signed were in the sectors of maritime cooperation and tourism. The other MOU signed was on Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates.

A letter of intent on agriculture and food security cooperation were also inked between the two countries.

The agreement on maritime cooperation seeks to enhance cooperation on wide ranging areas including pollution, skills training, research, and information sharing.

The deal about the tourism cooperation was inked by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and this aims to generate cooperative tourism projects and increase tourist arrivals between the two countries.

The tourism agreement aims to support niche tourism development, especially in the area of Islamic tourism and promotion of Muslim friendly destinations. 

When it comes to the STCW deal, this allows national agencies of the two countries to recognize national certificates issued by both focal agencies of Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan.

The LOI, meanwhile, aims to explore more cooperation and collaboration in the field of agriculture, food security, and sustainable agriculture.  

Marcos arrived in Brunei at around 10 a.m, this morning. 

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei welcomed Marcos at the Istana Nurul Iman royal palace as part of the latter's two-day visit.

After the arrival honors, Marcos had a general audience with Bolkiah and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.

This is the second time that Marcos visited Brunei during his presidency.

In January of this year, the Philippine president attended the wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen, the 10th child of Bolkiah, at the Istana Nurul Iman.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News