I am honoured, Your Majesty, by the 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 eventually to overcome.

We have explored and forged several undertakings and further cemented our special relations. This benefitnot us, but all of nations.

We have much to look forward as we work together for the greater peace, progress and prosperity.

In store for us are many opportunities to further strengthen our partnership—in trade and investments, in political-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 count on each other to achieve our shared objectives.

Above all, we must continue to view each other with respect, mutual trust and confidence that have defined the Philippines-Brunei relations for the past 32 years.

Thank you, Majesty for your crucial role in ensuring excellent relations between Brunei and the Philippines at both the policy and personal level.

The care you have accorded to the Filipinos in Brunei including here at Istana is a living testament of 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.