Aquino seeks Bolkiah’s help in sea row

Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah shakes hands with Philippines President Benigno Aquino during a courtesy call at the Malacanang palace in Manila yesterday.By Catherine S Valente/Manila TimesPresident Benigno Aquino yesterday sought the support of Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the country’s territorial dispute with China.The president, who hosted a state luncheon for the sultan, said the Philippines is committed to improve not only its economic and cultural engagements but also its maritime security as he pledged to strengthen relations between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, as well as with members of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).“The waters that separate our countries remind us that the same waves lap at our shores. As a brother nation in Asean, our country is committed to nurturing our relationship; we commit to enhancing co-operation with Brunei and with all Southeast Asian states, not only through economic and cultural engagements, but also through dialogue for maritime security,” he said.The Philippines has always wanted the maritime dispute involving the West Philippine Sea raised before the Asean since the group is in the process of crafting and drafting the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.“Our pledge is to continue working with our neighbours in implementing the commitments of Asean member states in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and in moving forward with negotiations for the adoption of a Code of Conduct,” Aquino added.The president also expressed confidence that with Brunei Darussalam at the helm as chair of this year’s Asean summit “the region will move further along the straight path towards harmony and sustainable progress.”The president welcomed Bolkiah during the arrival honours held in Malacanang yesterday. A 21-gun salute was fired in honour of the Sultan of Brunei with the accompaniment of the national anthems of both countries.Among others who joined the president in welcoming the Sultan of Brunei were Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Economic and Development Authority director-general Arsenio Balisacan, presidential adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, presidential adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas, presidential communications operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, and presidential management staff head secretary Julia Abad.