Philippines, Brunei sign deals on maritime, tourism, agri sectors

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (L) sits with Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (R) prior to a meeting at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan on May 28, 2024. Agence France-Presse

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei — The Philippines on Tuesday signed three deals and a letter of intent during the two-day state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. here to generate more jobs and accelerate economic transformation.

The two countries signed memoranda of agreement on tourism cooperation, on maritime cooperation, and on Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates, according to Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.

Garafil said a letter of intent (LOI) to renew memorandum of understanding on food security and agricultural cooperation was also forged.

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The MOU on tourism, Garafil said, aims to generate cooperative tourism projects and increase tourist arrivals between the two countries, particularly in the area of Islamic tourism and the promotion of Muslim friendly destinations.

The MOU on STCW certificates, she added, allows the national agencies of the Philippines and Brunei to recognize the national certificates issued by both focal agencies of the two countries.

An MOU on maritime cooperation was also signed between Manila and Brunei to boost cooperation on wide ranging areas including pollution, skills training, research and information sharing.

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This deal, according to Garafil, is “crucial for maritime nations” like the Philippines and Brunei.

The LOI on agriculture would allow both countries to explore further cooperation and collaboration on the field of agriculture for food security and sustainable agriculture.

The President, together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos arrived here on Tuesday morning for his first state visit in this predominantly Muslim country rich in oil and gas.

In January this year, Marcos also visited Brunei to attend the royal wedding of Bolkiah’s son, Prince Abdul Mateen.