STRONGER NAVAL TIES. Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta (right) presents a memento to Royal Brunei Navy commander, First Admiral Sahibul Bin Haji Zainal Abidin, during their meeting at the Navy headquarters in Manila on June 22, 2026. The two naval officials discussed matters of mutual interest, including opportunities to further strengthen their nations’ naval partnership. (Photo courtesy of the PN)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy (PN) said Wednesday its longstanding ties with the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) were further strengthened following the meeting of ranking officials of the two naval services on June 22.
The meeting took place at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
During the meeting, PN chief, Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, received RBN commander, First Admiral Sahibul Bin Haji Zainal Abidin, and discussed matters of mutual interest, including opportunities to further strengthen the naval partnership between the two nations.
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“Your presence here today reaffirms the rich and multifaceted relations between our countries, anchored in ties forged more than four decades ago that continue to grow stronger to this day,” Ezpeleta told the RBN chief.
The visit also underscored the commitment of both nations to maintaining a partnership that contributes to regional peace and stability and sustains continuous exchanges that strengthen institutional ties between their respective navies.
“We look forward to pursuing more meaningful cooperative undertakings with the RBN. Thank you for your continued friendship and unwavering dedication to our shared maritime goals,” Ezpeleta said, while emphasizing the importance of partnership in advancing a more peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia.
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He also said the PN remains steadfast in building strong partnerships with friendly nations and advancing meaningful engagements that enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual trust, and support its mission to safeguard the country’s maritime interests. /dl
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