Brunei Darussalam, a silent claimant on parts of the South China Sea, said it is willing to work with the Philippines, another claimant state, in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Its envoy to Manila, Ambassador Megawati Manan, expressed Bandar Seri Begawan’s commitment to work alongside Manila “towards maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the evolving regional architecture and beyond.” “We will nurture this enduring partnership based on the principles of friendship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence,” Manan said during the unveiling of the logo of the 40th anniversary of Brunei-Philippine diplomatic relations on Wednesday, Nov.
6. Like other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, Brunei does not usually make comments on aggressive activities in the South China Sea and has instead called for settlement of dispute through dialogue. Manan cited the United Nations (UN) and ASEAN charters as well as the “universally-recognized” international law and fundamental freedom as principles that will drive Brunei and the Philippines’ partnership.
Brunei’s envoy said the two countries “will continue to foster” its long-standing relationship through cooperation and assistance. It will be built on the recent visit to Brunei of President Marcos, who inked a deal on maritime cooperation with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The two leaders also shared views on the South China Sea issue.
The pact would pave the way for.
