Bolkiah is in Manila for a state visit upon the invitation of Duterte. He will also attend the regional summit in Manila this weekend.
“Promoting culture remains vital in order to strengthen our identities and protect and promote the values and heritage we hold dear,” the President said in a joint statement with Bolkiah at the Palace.
“I am pleased today that we signed agreements on cultural cooperation and cooperation in Halal industry and Halal products and services. These positive steps in the right direction, they provide the framework for us to work even more closely,” he added.
The first memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and Brunei involves cooperation in the field of culture and arts by enhancing institutional networking and people to people exchanges. The pact also aims to strengthen, promote, and develop culture, arts, and heritage cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
The second agreement provides framework for Philippine-Brunei cooperation to develop each other’s halal industry and halal products development. They agreed to reduce technical barriers to trade, facilitate bilateral relations on halal export development and promotion programs.
Duterte said his meeting with Bolkiah has been “successful” and “productive” after both agreed from intensifying trade and investments to fighting terrorism and illegal drugs.
“We recognize the importance of the ties that bind our nations and our peoples. With shared aspirations of achieving greater peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples, we agreed to further step up collaborative efforts to achieve common goals,” he said.
“These include waging a committed and principled campaign against terrorism, violent extremism and piracy at sea,” he added.
Originally published on www.news.mb.com.ph