Phl, Brunei exchange notes on sea dispute

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Brunei on Thursday exchanged views on the rising tension in the South China Sea as both countries underscored the positive role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in promoting regional peace and stability.

Secretary Albert del Rosario visited Brunei and met with Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, minister of foreign affairs and trade, to advance bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Del Rosario and Bolkiah affirmed their commitment to effectively manage the tensions and seek a peaceful resolution of the disputes.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and China have overlapping territorial claims over parts of the South China Sea.

The DFA said discussions between the two foreign ministers were comprehensive, constructive and productive.

The two ministers also discussed ways to further promote cooperation in areas such as labor, health, information and communications technology, defense and law enforcement, and trade and investment.

Both sides acknowledged the need to look into other areas of potential cooperation to further deepen and strengthen bilateral relations.

Del Rosario thanked Brunei for hosting over 21,000 Filipinos.

Bolkiah, on the other hand, acknowledged the positive contributions of Filipinos in Brunei’s development.