Thailand
Brunei, Malaysia welcome trade, investment progress
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of BruneiDarussalam and Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad expressed satisfaction at the continued progress in trade and investment cooperation, particularly with the states of Sabah and Sarawak during the 22nd Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Putrajaya, Malaysia yesterday.
Both leaders also urged for more synergy in economic cooperation and promotion in the areas of transport and info-communications, energy, tourism, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
The leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam on cooperation in several sectors, and Brunei noted that Malaysia will put forward a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to fisheries cooperation.
The leaders also took note of the engagement between the relevant officials on matters related to immigration cooperation, including the Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Programme (BMFTP), which has eased travel between both countries and enhanced people-to-people connectivity.
The leaders took note of the ongoing negotiations pertaining to the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Transport, and further encouraged the relevant agencies of both countries to continue the discussion. They also looked forward to the conclusion of the deliberations on the MoU, at the earliest opportunity.
The leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU relating to the transfer, escorting and movement of prisoners from areas between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei and the movement of prisoners within Brunei via Sarawak.
Both leaders agreed that the MoU will facilitate the transfer of prisoners between Malaysia and Brunei, without compromising the security and safety of the prisoners, as well as the public.
The leaders welcomed the latest progress under the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters mechanism, following the meeting between Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dato’ Saifuddin bin Abdullah on October 30 last year, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance in further strengthening the relationship by advancing dialogue and mutual understanding between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction on the positive development, and agreed that the momentum should be maintained.
The leaders also expressed satisfaction at the continued progress made by PETRONAS and PetroleumBRUNEI through the collaboration in the Commercial Arrangement Areas (CAA) and Production Sharing Agreements (PSA). Both leaders also encouraged both organisations to continue working together to commercialise CAA discoveries at the earliest possible opportunity.
The leaders took note of the cooperation between PETRONAS and the Brunei National Unitisation Secretariat under the Malaysia–Brunei Darussalam Unitisation Joint Working Group on activities related to the Kinabalu West NAG (KN) and Maharajalela North Fields (MLJ); and the Gumusut-Kakap (GK) and Geronggong/Jagus-East (GRG/JGE) fields.
The leaders welcomed the positive progress made by the joint technical committee on the demarcation and survey of the land boundary between Malaysia and Brunei, and noted that both sides have agreed not to undertake any activities in areas where joint demarcation and survey have yet to be completed.
The leaders congratulated both technical teams from Malaysia and Brunei for finding new ways to expedite the survey and demarcation activities, especially in the priority areas. In this regard, the leaders looked forward to the convening of the Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Land Boundary Committee at the earliest possible opportunity, which will discuss the findings of the joint technical committee.
The leaders noted the ongoing discussions between officials from both countries on the provision of the Exchange of Letters relating to maritime access.
The leaders also encouraged their officials to explore innovative ways to develop maritime cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, the leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions between their officials in this field with a view to having a MoU on Maritime Cooperation.
The leaders expressed their satisfaction with the existing bilateral cooperation in defence between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), which continues to be strengthened via regular exchanges of visits, official-level engagements, training courses and military exercises.
The leaders also underscored the importance of defence cooperation between the two countries, especially in maintaining peace and stability in light of the security challenges and threats in the region.
The leaders were also pleased with the close cooperation between the MAF and the RBAF as well as commended the admirable efforts of their personnel in contributing towards the maintenance of international peace and stability, particularly under the ambit of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Southern Philippines.
The leaders took note of the latest deployment by RBAF to join the MAF for IMT and UNIFIL operations on August 30 last year and September 6 last year.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia looked forward to the participation of high-level officials from Brunei in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2019 (LIMA ’19) on March 26 – 30.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the active people linkages, particularly among the youth in promoting greater friendship and understanding. In this regard, the leaders looked forward to the renewal of the MoU in the Fields of Youth and Sports to continue enhancing sports training and the youth leadership development of both countries.
The leaders welcomed the good relations and encouraged regular engagements between the two civil services. On May 12-14, 2017, Brunei hosted the 16th Malaysia–BruneiDarussalam Public Service Senior Officials’ Exchange Programme, which promoted greater interaction and understanding on public service matters between the two countries.
The leaders looked forward to the 17th Malaysia–Brunei Darussalam Public Service Senior Officials’ Exchange Programme, to be hosted by Malaysia this year.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia conveyed his congratulations to Brunei on BruneiDarussalam’s 35th National Day on February 23.
His Majesty congratulated Malaysia on the proclamation of inauguration of His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong XVI, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, as Malaysia’s new King.
The Consultation was held in a warm and constructive manner, signifying the close and special relations that bind the two countries together.
Both leaders were pleased with the continued efforts made since their last meeting during the official visit of Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir to Bruneion September 2-3 last year.
They reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Both leaders were pleased with the outcome of their meeting, and looked forward to the implementation of the decisions reached for a much strengthened bilateral relationship and cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei.
The leaders agreed to hold the 23rd Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Brunei in 2020.
Source: https://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-malaysia-welcome-trade-investment-progress/