Phl, Brunei eye intensified maritime relations

The Philippines is working to strengthening its maritime relationship with Brunei, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Outgoing DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo met Brunei Foreign Minister II Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof on the margins of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday, 24 May.

"We agreed on the Terms of Reference of the Working Group on the implementation of the [memorandum of agreement] on the Management and Cooperation in Maritime Activities between [the] Philippines and Brunei Darussalam," Manalo said.

"We both look forward to further strengthening maritime cooperation between our countries," he added.

During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Brunei last year, both countries signed an agreement on maritime cooperation. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in wide-ranging areas, including pollution, skills training, research, and information sharing.

The Philippines and Brunei also have tourism, agriculture, and food security deals.

The country's top diplomat is currently in Malaysia to assist Marcos during ASEAN Meetings with other Southeast Asian leaders.

The summit, which takes place in Kuala Lumpur, will be held from 26 to 27 May.