According to official statements, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, called for stronger regional cooperation to enhance food and energy security while attending multilateral talks in Manila, the Philippines, on Thursday. Representing Brunei Darussalam at the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, and the 16th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen emphasized international law and stable supply chains.
Strengthening Regional Food Security and Supply Chains
At the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen underscored the necessity for the East Asia Summit to bolster regional food security. According to official remarks delivered during his sabda, this requires supporting ASEAN sectoral bodies to promote sustainable food production and improve supply chain coordination.
The initiatives aim to enhance regional preparedness and ensure reliable access to food at all times across member states. These measures build upon existing frameworks within the region, such as the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve.
Did you know?
The ASEAN Plus Three mechanism incorporates ASEAN member states.
Managing Energy Disruptions and Financial Stability
Expanding beyond agricultural reserves, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen proposed establishing a new regional mechanism during the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to official reports, the proposed framework is designed to improve preparedness for energy supply disruptions, transportation challenges, and broader supply chain vulnerabilities.
The strategy relies on strategic reserves, structured information sharing, and coordinated regional responses. During the same gathering, the minister highlighted the grouping’s ongoing role in supporting regional financial stability and strengthening collective responses to public health emergencies.
Upholding International Law and Regional Stability
Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen stressed that regional peace, stability, and predictability depend directly on upholding international law. According to his official address, this includes strictly adhering to the Charter of the United Nations and advancing confidence-building measures to reduce regional tensions.
Speaking separately at the ASEAN Regional Forum, the minister noted that an increasingly complex global security environment requires closer cooperation, as no single country can address modern security challenges in isolation. He welcomed the official adoption of the Manila Plan of Action (2026–2036), which will serve as the guiding framework for the forum’s practical cooperation over the next decade.
Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines
On the sidelines of the ministerial sessions, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen held a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. According to official disclosures, both representatives reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the Brunei Darussalam–India Enhanced Partnership.
The two ministers also exchanged detailed views on regional and international developments, reinforcing diplomatic ties between Bandar Seri Begawan and New Delhi within the broader context of ASEAN-led multilateral mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Prince ‘Abdul Mateen hold during the meetings in Manila?
Prince ‘Abdul Mateen attended the meetings in his capacity as Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Which specific meetings did the Brunei minister attend in the Philippines?
He attended the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, and the 16th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
What new proposal was introduced regarding energy and supply chains?
Prince ‘Abdul Mateen proposed establishing a regional mechanism utilizing strategic reserves, information sharing, and coordinated responses to address energy supply and transportation disruptions.
Which bilateral partner did the minister meet with on the sidelines?
He held a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to discuss the Brunei Darussalam–India Enhanced Partnership.
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