During the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah renewed both countries’ cooperation as Sultan Bolkiah vowed to continue supporting the peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao.
“We will continue to support your government’s efforts in ensuring peace and stability through various initiatives in the southern Philippines including our participation in the unification and modification assistance,” Sultan Bolkiah told President Marcos.
For his part, President Marcos recognized Brunei’s role in the Mindanao peace process, which has continued despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brunei is part of the International Monitoring Team and the independent decommissioning body in the Mindanao peace process.
“I’m happy to be able to inform, Your Majesty, that the peace process is proceeding along. Although we have extended the Transition Authority for another three years simply because they were unable to do their job during the pandemic,” President Marcos said.
“This process—the negotiations between the Bangsamoro and our Muslim brothers and sisters began in 1976—I believe, is the fruition of that. And we are very happy.”
The President also informed the Sultan Bolkiah that there will be a parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2025.
In response, Bolkiah recognized Marcos for his efforts in attaining peace and prosperity in the BARMM. President Marcos also underscored the Philippines’ assistance to Brunei’s healthcare system, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are very proud that our healthcare workers, especially during the pandemic where worldwide they have been recognized as they are, for their competence and for their sacrifices,” President Marcos said.
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/22/brunei-vows-continued-support-for-mindanao-peace-process
