Stronger Philippines -Brunei ties seen with Duterte visit

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte’s visit to Brunei Darussalam will finally push through on Oct. 16 to 18 to boost ties between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan, Malacañang said yesterday.

The President’s visit to Brunei was initially slated last Sept. 4 but it had to be rescheduled due to a blast that ripped through the Roxas night market in Davao City last Sept. 2.

It was supposed to be Duterte’s first trip outside of the country as part of his traditional tour of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as new president.

Based on a Malacañang advisory, the President is expected to hold bilateral talks with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on issues of bilateral and regional concern.

It is hoped that during the visit, both leaders could exchange ideas on how to broaden cooperation, the Palace said.

The President is also scheduled to meet the Filipino community on the first day of his visit. There are 23,000 Filipinos working and residing in Brunei.

A huge number of Filipinos is expected to meet the President at the Indoor Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.