Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero received Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan on October 9 at the Senate .
Both parties explored opportunities of enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, and renewable energy.
They also agreed on the importance of diversifying trade partners for food security where Ambassador Manan emphasized their growing interest in importing raw products from the Philippines.
Senate President Escudero also mentioned the government’s push for a solar-powered irrigation aligns well with Brunei’s priorities in the Philippines.
Ambassador Manan underscored the significance of the legislation allowing long-term land leases to foreigners. The Senate President expressed optimism that the priority bill would be passed within the year.
They also briefly discussed the implications of the law on delineating maritime zones, as well as the recently-signed Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, as the latter relates to building the country’s defense industry.
