Philippines and Brunei Darussalam Convene Third Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation Meeting
From left: Philippine Delegation comprising of DND-OSAIA Director Marita I. Yoro, DFA-ASPAC Deputy Assistant Secretary Leah Victoria C. Rodriguez, PH Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, DFA-ASPAC Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau and DFA-OUBRAA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro; Brunei Darussalam Delegation comprising Permanent Secretary for Politics and International Organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pengirah Norhashima Pg. Md. Hassan, BR Ambassador to the Philippines Megawati Manan, Brunei Darussalam Embassy Lt. Col. Amilin Haji Mohd Gani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brunei Research Officer Nurul Syaffeenazz Hj Abdul Tahir, and Brunei Darussalam Embassy First Secretary Fadzllyani Annuar.
PASAY CITY 18 August 2023 — The Philippines and Brunei Darussalam convened the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on 15 August 2023, in Metro Manila. The JCBC, which was held at the Vice Ministerial level, provided an avenue for both countries to discuss, consult and cooperate on fields of mutual interest.
The Philippine delegation was headed by DFA's Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, while the Bruneian delegation was headed by Permanent Secretary for Politics and International Organization, Hon. Norhashimah Pg. Md. Hassan.
During the one-day meeting, both sides had a fruitful discussion on various topics ranging from political-security and economic cooperation to enhancing people to people relations, which encompasses culture, education and labor, among others.
The Philippines expressed that the active engagement between the defense sectors of the two countries is a testament to the robust relations between the two countries. Both countries stated that they expect defense cooperation to be strengthened in the coming months when the Philippines convenes the Joint Defense Working Committee.
Both sides also sought to explore areas for future cooperation with regard to each other's Coast Guards, and to increase opportunities in maritime infrastructure development and in the protection and promotion of the marine environment and its resources.
During the discussion on trade and food security, the Bruneian Delegation expressed their interest in a number of agricultural products from the Philippines such as rice, coconuts as well as day-old chicks amongst others. They also identified the potentials of the development of the halal sector and future mutual investments in both countries.
Aside from the bilateral cooperation agenda, the meeting allowed both delegations to discuss issues of regional and global interest. The meeting ended on a productive note, as both sides committed to work diligently and exert efforts towards the early fulfillment of the identified action points which will involve all their respective government agencies.
Both countries also committed to undertake activities in line with the commemoration of 40 years of flourishing diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Brunei in 2024. END