Warm bilateral ties between Malaysia and Brunei continue under the leadership of Najib (left) and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as underscored in the 19th Annual Leaders’ Consultation at Istana Nurul Iman.
Awang Tengah (left) and Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin exchanging documents of collaboration signed at the end of the bilateral meeting in Brunei.
Sultan Hassanal (centre) sharing a light moment with Adenan (left) and Awang Tengah.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The warm Malaysia-Brunei bilateral ties and cooperation will continue for the benefit of the people of these two Asean neighbours.
The development of Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak and Sabah would also be complemented by Brunei through streamlining of infrastructure development plans while discussions will be made to reduce the high volume of immigration and customs clearance along this route including a proposal to extend CIQ opening hours to facilitate better flow of people and movement of goods.
In a joint statement after the 19th Annual Leaders’ Consultation at Istana Nurul Iman here, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, expressed their pleasure at the encouraging developments under the implementation of the Exchange of Letters signed by the leaders of the two countries on March 16, 2009.
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the important role of the Exchange of Letters in strengthening the warm and special relations between the two countries and in advancing strategic cooperation.
The Brunei and Malaysian delegations later retreated to Baitul Mesyuarah hall where Sarawak Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment and Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Brunei Minister of Energy Pehin Dato Singamanteri Col (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar signed an agreement on collaboration between Sacofa and DST Communication on behalf of Malaysia and Brunei respectively.
At the press conference later, Najib said it was a fruitful one hour and 15 minutes meeting where many issues were discussed. Among the issues were border opening hours, defence, investments, tourism, demarcation of border, local fishing rights and exchange of views of Asean, regional and international issues.
He also expressed Malaysia’s appreciation to his Royal Highness for the support of the sultanate to Malaysia as chair of Asean.
The joint statement noted that there has been progress in priority areas of the joint technical teams on the joint demarcation and survey of the land boundary between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Najib and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah called on officials of both countries to work towards establishing a memorandum of understanding or other appropriate framework to enable the early operationalisation of the provision of the Exchange of Letters relating to maritime access.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maritime cooperation and urged the officials of both countries to continue discussions towards increasing collaboration in this area with a view to having a memorandum of understanding in maritime cooperation,” it said.
In a press conference at the airport before flying back to Kuala Lumpur, Najib said the cooperation in new areas through exchange of letters signed in 2009 had finalised the technical operation on sharing in the event of discovery of oil or gas in overlapping areas defined in CA1 and CA2.
On the Pan Borneo Highway which is expected to be completed in six years, he said the Brunei government could also plan ahead on potential areas for improvements to enable road users enjoy a better ride.
He pointed out the meeting also discussed the issue of fishing ground for local Malaysian community where they would not be obstructed to their traditional areas.
Malaysia also thanked Brunei for the arrangement of placing four Blackhawk helicopters for the Ministry of Defence under the regional defence cooperation, and would assist if Brunei is interested in adopting the Malaysian model of sea-based platforms in maritime defence.
Najib said the progress of ongoing cooperation since last year’s consultation, as well as exploring new initiatives toward further strengthening the long-standing existing ties between the two countries will be pursued.
Najib arrived in Brunei from Kuching early yesterday for the 19th Annual Leaders’ Consultation which was also attended by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Panglima Musa Aman, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hanifah Aman, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein and International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Muhammad.
Brunei’s delegation included Senior Minister His Royal Highness Prince Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Prince Mohamed Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien