PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS DESK
MESSAGE OF
PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
DURING THE STATE BANQUET HOSTED BY HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH
[Delivered at Royal Banquet Hall, Green Room, Istana Nurul Iman |
17 October 2016]
Your Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang-Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the members of the Royal Family, other distinguished guests. Good evening. Assalamu alaykum.
I am honoured, Your Majesty, by your warm welcome for me and the entire Philippine delegation.
Your sincere hospitality reaffirms the esteemed friendship that is always valued deeply by my people. We will continue to work closely to maintain the excellent ties between our nations and peoples.
In the histories of our countries, we have faced many common challenges that each of us managed to eventually overcome.
We have explored and forged several undertakings that further cemented our special relations. This cooperation will continue to be reinforced for the mutual benefit of our nations.
We have much to look forward to as we work together for greater peace, progress and prosperity.
In store for us are many opportunities to further strengthen our partnership — in trade and investments, in politico-security cooperation, in the peaceful settlement of disputes, in bringing just and lasting peace to Mindanao, and in building a stronger ASEAN.
There is much at stake for our nations and peoples. As true friends, we can only and should not count on each other to achieve our shared objectives.
Above all, we must continue to view each other with the respect, mutual trust and confidence that have defined the Philippines-Brunei relations for the past 32 years.
I thank Your Majesty for your crucial role in ensuring excellent relations between Brunei and the Philippines both at the policy and personal level.
The care you have accorded to Filipinos in Brunei including here at the Istana is a living testament to the personal concern and benevolence of Your Majesty for my people.
In times of calamities, Brunei also extends ready and timely assistance to the Philippines.
Your Majesty, for these and for the many more reasons, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude.
With the deep well of goodwill between our nations and peoples, I reiterate the resolve and commitment to value, protect and nurture our special ties.
Thank you.
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