MANILA, Philippines?President Benigno Aquino III?s official visit to Bandar Seri Begawan?scheduled for May 31 to June 3?will give the Philippines a chance to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Brunei Darussalam, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario visited on May 10 the Brunei capital, where he called on Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, that country?s leader, and other top Brunei government officials.

During his meeting with Bolkiah, Del Rosario ?mentioned the President?s forthcoming trip to Brunei as an opportunity to further strengthen Philippines-Brunei ties,? said Foreign Assistant Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, also DFA spokesperson.

Del Rosario also reported to Bolkiah that the construction of the new chancery of the Philippine Embassy in the Brunei capital will be completed next month.

The building ?symbolizes the country?s long-term commitment in fostering relations with Brunei,? according to Malaya.

Both the Philippines and Brunei are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.