The Philippines and Brunei sign agreements covering the maritime, tourism and agricultural sectors

Author: Nestor Corrales – 3 minutes ago

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei — The Philippines signed three agreements and a letter of intent on Tuesday during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s two-day state visit. in this country to create more jobs and accelerate economic transformation.

According to Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafila, the two countries signed memorandums of understanding on tourism, maritime cooperation and mutual recognition of standards of training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW).

Garafil said the Letter of Intent (LOI) on the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Food Security and Agricultural Cooperation was also forged.

READ: Philippines, Brunei to sign MoU to boost tourism – Marcos

Garafil said the MoU on tourism aims to generate joint tourism projects and increase tourist arrivals between the two countries, especially in the area of ​​Islamic tourism and promotion of Muslim-friendly destinations.

She added that the Memorandum of Understanding on STCW Certificates allows the national agencies of the Philippines and Brunei to recognize national certificates issued by both central agencies of both countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation was also signed between Manila and Brunei to enhance cooperation in wide-ranging areas including pollution, skills training, research and information exchange.

READ: Marcos joins regional leaders at Brunei Prince’s wedding

According to Garafil, the agreement is “crucial for maritime countries” such as the Philippines and Brunei.

The LOI on Agriculture would enable both countries to explore further cooperation and cooperation in the field of agriculture for food security and sustainable agriculture.

The president and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos arrived here on Tuesday morning for their first state visit to the predominantly Muslim oil and gas-rich country.

In January this year, Marcos also visited Brunei to attend the royal wedding of Bolkiah’s son, Prince Abdul Mateen.