Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. concluded his official visit to Brunei on 9 October with a call for “another 40 years of collaboration” between the Philippines and Brunei, anchored on trust, shared values, and a common vision for regional security and stability, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Saturday.

Teodoro’s visit culminated in a formal dinner hosted by Brunei’s Second Defense Minister, Pehin Halbi, at the Tarindak D’Seni Jalan Residency.

The DND said the event coincided with the 41st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brunei.

An audio-visual presentation showcasing the evolution of bilateral defense cooperation served as the backdrop for renewed commitments.

Both defense chiefs welcomed the potential for training Imams of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chaplain Service in Brunei, a step seen as enhancing religious and cultural understanding within the military.

Teodoro commended Brunei’s longstanding role in supporting peace and development efforts in Mindanao, particularly its involvement in the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

He likewise emphasized the importance of cooperation in education and Arabic language training as tools in the fight against radicalization.

Both ministers also reiterated their support for ASEAN centrality — the principle that Southeast Asian nations should lead and shape regional cooperation — as well as stronger people-to-people linkages as foundations of regional resilience.

Further, Teodoro stressed that building robust and resilient states, like the Philippines and Brunei, contributes to a stronger ASEAN community capable of withstanding terrorism, climate change, and emerging security threats.

He also advocated mentoring the next generation of military and civilian defense leaders to continue fostering shared regional visions and deepen mutual understanding among ASEAN member states.