PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday met Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei for a bilateral meeting at the Malacañang Palace in Manila.
This was the first time Bolkiah went to the country since Duterte assumed office in June 2016. Bolkiah's trip was also the first state visit under Duterte's watch.
Bolkiah, who arrived in Manila on Wednesday night, was welcomed by Duterte at the Malacañang Palace grounds on Thursday afternoon.
After the welcome rites, the two leaders are expected to hold a bilateral dialogue at Palace's Aguinaldo State Dining Room.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said both leaders would likely discuss ways on how to further strengthen cooperation in bilateral, subregional and regional settings.
They are also expected to tackle how both countries will intensify political and security defense exchanges; enhance collaboration in combating terrorism, violent extremism and piracy at sea; and strengthen the anti-drugs campaign.
Abella said Duterte would also emphasize Brunei's "crucial role" in the pursuit of just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao; and the importance of increased two-way trade and investments, including in agriculture and halal industry development.
He said Bolkiah's visit was "much-awaited" because he is "a very important partner and special friend of the Philippines."
"The bilateral meeting between Duterte and Bolkiah is an opportunity for the two leaders to build on the discussions and agreements made during President Duterte’s State Visit to Brunei in October 2016," Abella said.
Bolkiah and Duterte would then witness the signing and issuance of a joint statement at Malacañang's Reception Hall after the bilateral talks.
Bolkiah's visit would be capped off by a state banquet hosted by Duterte at Palace's Rizal Hall.
It could be recalled that Duterte went to Brunei in October 2016 for an introductory visit as the 2017 chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (VoxPop Philippines)
