BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) recently paid an introductory visit to the Philippines and discussed with his counterpart ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation and interactions.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) said that First Admiral Pg Norazmi Pg Muhammad, who was accompanied by his spouse Pg Noralam Pg Kahar, led a delegation to the Philippines from June 8-9, 2015.

During the two-day visit, he made separate courtesy calls to Defence Undersecretary for Policy Pio Lorenzo F Batino and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieutenant General John S Bonafos.

Prior to the calls, he laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Manila in respect to the Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal.

In his trip, the RBN Commander was also accorded with a Guard of Honour and warmly received by the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jesus C Milan at the Philippine Navy Headquarters.

The two navy chiefs held cordial discussions on furthering bilateral cooperation and interactions.

The RBN Commander was presented the “Flag Rank Command Badge” by Vice Admiral Milan in honour of his visit.

Mementos were exchanged to mark the occasion and symbolise the goodwill of the two friendly forces.

He was also given a short briefing on the organisation and future plans of the Philippine Navy, as an opportunity to understand the roles and development of the Philippine Navy.

Later in the evening, First Admiral Pg Norazmi and his spouse attended a dinner hosted by Vice Admiral Milan and his spouse with all the Flag Rank officers of the Naval Command.

First Admiral Pg Norazmi took over as the new RBN Commander earlier this year.

The ministry said his visit aims to further reaffirm the long-standing friendship and close professional ties between the two navies.

The RBN and the Philippine Navy have strong defence cooperation through a wide range of interaction and activities such as the biennial bilateral exercise codenamed “Exercise Seagull”.

This exercise has evolved in terms of benefits for the two navies – from a mere interaction to an elevated platform to share best practices in naval evolutions and interoperability.

The cooperation and interactions between the two naval forces have since expanded to the level of multilateral exercises, regular visits and exchange programmes.

The Brunei Times