PRIME NEWS POST
Davao City, (Philippines) – Brotherhood ties between royal institutions in the Nusantara and Southeast Asian regions have been strengthened through the exchange of a Cooperation Charter between the Malay Sultanate of Maharaja Tabunawai Johore Mindanao Darussalam and the Bolangitang Kingdom of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This cultural diplomacy initiative began with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LoI) by HH Prince Iftiqar S.A. Ponto of the Bolangitang Kingdom to the Malay Sultanate of Mindanao Darussalam, as a commitment to strengthen friendship, cooperation, and cultural collaboration between the two royal institutions.
The Palace of the Malay Sultanate of Maharaja Tabunawai Johore Mindanao Darussalam then officially welcomed and acknowledged the initiative with honor, as part of efforts to strengthen solidarity and unity among Malay royal institutions in Southeast Asia.
In an official statement issued under the auspices of the Malay Sultanate of Mindanao Darussalam together with the Filipino Malay Nation Heritage Organization, the Sultanate expressed deep appreciation for the honor and goodwill shown by the Bolangitang Kingdom.
This cooperation is established on the principles of mutual respect, equality of dignity, and the values of Malay-Islamic civilization – which have long been the foundation of historical relations among Malay communities in the Nusantara region.
The royal heraldic symbols and insignias accompanying the cooperation charter represent the continuity of historical leadership, the preservation of ancestral heritage, and the respect for sovereignty upheld by each royal institution.
According to the official statement, this initiative is a continuation of the historical brotherhood bonds long established among Malay kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
Moving forward, the relationship is planned to be strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering cooperation in various fields, including:
• Preservation of Malay culture and history
• Cultural heritage diplomacy and inter-civilizational dialogue
• Academic research and studies on Malay civilization history
• Strengthening of customary institutions and inter-royal brotherhood
Through this cooperation, both royal institutions hope to contribute positively to enhancing regional cultural diplomacy while strengthening cross-border relations among Malay communities.
This partnership is also seen as an effort to maintain the continuity of noble values passed down by ancestors, including unity, honor, and the responsibility to preserve Malay cultural heritage and civilization.
It is hoped that this cooperation will serve as a bridge to strengthen ties between kingdoms and solidify the brotherhood of Malay communities in Southeast Asia.
The statement concluded with prayers and hopes that the established friendship will continue to grow in the spirit of mutual respect, brotherhood, and blessings for future generations.(//)
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