22 January 2004 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today announced that the Philippines will be hosting the First RP-Brunei Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Ministerial Meeting on 31 January 2004 at the Manila Hotel. Secretary Albert will be co-chairing the JCBC, together with Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

“Given the already close ties between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, the JCBC will provide opportunities for both countries to further expand and enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in such areas as tourism, investments, higher education and economic matters.” Secretary Albert said.

The JCBC will be preceded by a Senior Officials meeting (SOM) to be held on 27 January 2004 at the Department of Foreign Affairs where previously signed agreements between the two governments will be discussed.

Since the establishment of the JCBC, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam have signed four agreements. These are the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on Defense Cooperation, Merchant Shipping and Related Matters, Technical and Trade Cooperation in Fisheries and the Air Services Agreement. – END