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