RP, Brunei cooperation against terror

RP, Brunei cooperation against terror

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Philippine President Gloria
Arroyo pledged in Manila on Monday to step up cooperation in the
war against terrorism, including possible joint naval exercises.

After meeting at Malacanang palace, the two leaders
"emphasized the importance of bilateral, regional, and
international cooperation in combating terrorism," Arroyo
spokesman Ignacio Bunye told reporters.

The sultan arrived in Manila Sunday for his first state visit
to the Philippines, responding to an invitation from Arroyo after
her August visit to the tiny oil-rich nation.

Arroyo Monday welcomed Brunei's interest in joining a
Southeast Asian anti-terror pact as a "significant first step in
forging a more determined and committed regional response to
terrorism," according to Bunye.

Exercises between naval units from both countries were
expected to take place in April as part of the increased anti-
terror cooperation, he said.

Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, three of the five
founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), agreed last May to share intelligence, resources and
personnel to fight terrorism.

Fellow ASEAN members Thailand and Cambodia have also signed
the pact.

Bunye said Bolkiah and Arroyo expressed satisfaction with the
progress in implementing the agreement, especially following the
convening of a multilateral simulation exercise against terrorism
in Manila earlier this month.

The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to revitalize
trade relations and witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements
on improving maritime transport links, Bunye said.

He added Arroyo and Bolkiah were supposed to have discussed
the situation in Iraq amid heightened fears of a US military
strike but time "ran out".

Official sources said the leaders were to have issued a
statement urging the US government to "exhaust all diplomatic and
peaceful means in addressing the issue" while awaiting for the
report of the UN arms inspectors.

Philippine and Brunei officials were also working on a
proposed agreement to boost cooperation on tourism and education,
the palace said. -- AFP