Duterte talks about South China Sea, Korean Peninsula issues in bilateral meetings with Brunei, Australia

November 13, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte discussed with his Brunei and Australian counterparts the South China Sea and North Korean issues during his separate bilateral meetings with them on Sunday night.

In his meeting with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Pasay City, Duterte recognized the strong relations of the Philippines with the fellow Southeast Asian country.

“And I consider it an honor for my country and for myself that you have recognized the importance of our mutual relations, the strong bonds between our two countries," he said.

Duterte expressed readiness to help fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations amid terrorist threats and security concerns in the Korean Peninsula.

He stressed the need to resolve the issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.

The world has been concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Duterte also thanked Bolkiah for hosting a number of Filipinos in Brunei.

Meanwhile, Duterte and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull talked about the South China Sea issue, particularly the crafting of a binding code of conduct, extremism, illegal drugs, trade and commerce.

In a statement from Malacanang, it said Turnbull hailed Duterte for the administration's success in crushing ISIS-linked Maute group in war-torn Marawi City.

The two leaders also discussed piracy in the Sulu Sea and promised greater security cooperation.

The Abu Sayyaf Group has been engaged in kidnappings in southern part of the Philippines, including the Sulu Sea. Celerina Monte/DMS