DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                                           2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                                 Tel. No. 834-4000 

SFA-AGR-713-05                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 04 October  2005

PHILIPPINES-BRUNEI TOP RANKING AIR FORCE OFFICIALS  HOLD PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS IN BRUNEI

04 October 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jose L. Reyes and his Bruneian Air Force counterpart had productive discussions on joint  activities to be undertaken by both countries' Air Force during the PAF chief’s visit on 25-27 September 2005 in  Brunei Darussalam.

Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Virginia H. Benavidez reported that “the visit opened the doors for a more dynamic cooperation between the Philippine and Bruneian Air Forces and a promising area of cooperation was the sharing of expertise in aircraft maintenance, exchange of visits of senior officials and joint exercises on search and rescue.”  Ambassador Benavidez added that “Philippines-Brunei Darussalam military and defense relations soared anew  during the visit.”

General Reyes paid courtesy calls on the top officials of Brunei's defense and military establishment, led by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Pehin Dato Haji Yasmin Umar, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Pehin Maj Gen. Dato Haji Halbi Yussof, and his counterpart, Col. Dato Haji Mahmud Saidin, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force.

During a dinner she hosted for Gen. Reyes at the "Ang Bahay", Ambassador Benavidez stressed that defense and military cooperation has been a bright
spot in the overall bilateral relations.  She was elated at the excellent rapport developed between Gen. Reyes and Col. Dato Saidin during the visit, which she said would undoubtedly provide a solid foundation for future cooperation. She also reiterated the deep appreciation of the Philippine Government for the consent given by His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to present the Royal Brunei Air Force Honorary Pilot Wing to Gen. Reyes.

On behalf of His Majesty, Pehin Maj. Gen. Dato Haji Halbi awarded the medal at the Rimba Air Base on 26 September 2005. This is the very first time that such an award has been given to a Filipino Chief of the Air Force. END
 

/jay