Rokiah Mahmud
Legislative Council (LegCo) Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib received separate courtesy calls from three foreign envoys at the Legislative Council building yesterday.
The LegCo Speaker received courtesy calls from Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R Tirol-Ignacio; Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mikhail Vladimirovich Baranov and United States Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn Roberta McClelland.
During the courtesy visit by the Philippine envoy, the two parties expressed appreciation and hope for continued cooperation. Both parties emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchange including information exchange and visits to strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
Tirol-Ignacio also expressed appreciation for receiving a working visit from the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s office (BAGO) to LegCo recently and said BAGO learnt various aspects of legislative and best practices in the Sultanate.
The two parties discussed shared concerns and interests, such as exploring collaborative opportunities in education and trade.
They also expressed pride in the achievements and development of women’s involvement in both countries and hoped it could be further strengthened.
Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit by the Russian ambassador, the two sides touched on visits several years ago.
They hoped that the established bilateral relations will be strengthened while emphasising the importance of relation between Parliaments and religious institutions that could contribute to stronger ties between Brunei and Russia.
During the courtesy visit from the US envoy, the two sides discussed the previous LegCo meeting.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman and McClelland discussed the appointment of LegCo members including their role and responsibilities.
The two parties also touched on the new norms following the COVID-19 pandemic, including the implementation of virtual programmes and meetings, which has saved cost and time.
On the other hand, they stressed, face-to-face interaction remains important.
The two parties also exchanged views and ideas in areas of concern and shared interest, such as investment and trade.
