12 May 2006 - Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H. Benavidez reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Philippines-Brunei defense relations recently gained new opportunities for further expansion during the 2nd Joint Defense Working Committee Meeting in Brunei Darussalam last 17-18 April.

The Meeting was co-chaired by Undersecretary of Defense Antonio C. Santos, Jr. from the Philippines and Permanent Secretary of Defense Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat from Brunei Darussalam

According to Ambassador Benavidez, who was a member of the Philippine Delegation, Philippine and Bruneian defense officials had frank and comprehensive discussions on regional and international security issues of mutual concern.  Each side also gave briefings on developments in their respective national defense and military programs and priorities.

More importantly however, “the officials discussed the way forward for our bilateral defense cooperation, which is one of the brightest spot in our overall bilateral relations,” Ambassador Benavidez said.   “The future of our defense relations with Brunei Darussalam looks even more promising after our officials committed to pursue key initiatives such as cooperation in joint training, exchange of visits of defense and military officials and joint exercises,” the Ambassador added.

After the Meeting, Ambassador Benavidez hosted a luncheon in honor of Undersecretary Santos and Permanent Secretary Haji Mustappa Sirat and their respective delegations at the “Ang Bahay,” the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence. A lively singing fellowship and active interaction with one another deepened the comfort level, understanding and goodwill between the Filipinos and Bruneian defense, military and foreign affairs officials. (Please refer to the accompanying photo release on this subject matter.) END
 
 
 

/bjg