HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday concluded the three-day state visit to the Philippines on a high note as bilateral relations between the countries have been further strengthened as the outcome of the visit.

His Majesty, along with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar departed from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday afternoon. HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Hafizah Su'rurul Bulqiah and HRH Princess Hajah Masna were also present at the airport and had accompanied Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness during the visit.

From the bilateral talks held with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who had invited His Majesty to the Philippines, the monarch has pledged to send more troops to serve in the Brunei contingent of the International Monitoring Force (IMF) in Mindanao. Other developments such as the president's decision to send a delegation from the Philippines to cooperate with Bruneian counterparts in the agricultural sector and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Filipino private sector and the Brunei Economic Development Board were achieved during the meeting.

Both leaders have expressed their satisfaction at the development of bilateral ties that the countries have shared. Noting that His Majesty's visit marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei and the Philippines and also coincided with Brunei's upcoming National Day silver jubilee celebrations, the heads of state also looked forward to increased cooperation in the future.

During the state visit, His Majesty attended a host of functions aimed at fostering closer ties with the Republic. On Friday, a welcoming ceremony was held at the Bahay Pangarap grounds which is situated across the Pasig River and overlooks the presidential residence, Malacanang Palace. At Bahay Pangarap Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo. Then, His Majesty held discussions with the president, while Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness were invited for a tour of the palace.

Following the talks, His Majesty proceeded to Rizal Park for a wreath-laying ceremony. The monarch then headed to Fort Bonifacio, the headquarters of the Philippine Army, where His Majesty, who is the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, witnessed a capability demonstration conducted by the Special Operations Command.

At that time, Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness were visiting a bio-research facility in Paraaque, which showcased a collection of exotic birds, butterflies and fish.

In the evening, President Arroyo hosted a state dinner at the palace in honour of His Majesty's visit, where the president conferred the "Order of Lakandula" with the Rank of Grand Collar (Supremo) on His Majesty. His Majesty was also presented with a model of the Grand Mosque in Cotabato City, which is expected to be completed later this year. The mosque was donated by His Majesty as part of efforts to promote peace and stability in Mindanao.

Before departing for the airport, a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Aziz Juned.

Among those present to bid farewell to Their Majesties, Her Royal Highness and the Royal Family were the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Hermogenes Esperon, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam Virgina Benavidez, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines Malai Hjh Halimah Malai Hj Yussof, commanding officers of the Philippine armed forces and other senior officials from the governments of both countries.

The state visit, His Majesty's first for 2009, is the monarch's second visit to the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984 and it highlights the long-standing friendship and bilateral ties shared by the two nations.