Bandar Seri Begawan, August 26, 2024, The Europe Today: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to attend the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei on Monday, August 26, in Bandar Seri Begawan. This significant diplomatic event will further solidify the longstanding relationship between the two neighboring nations.
Prime Minister Anwar is scheduled to have an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Nurul Iman Palace this morning, where the two leaders will hold a private meeting. The discussions are expected to cover a range of bilateral and regional issues, reflecting the deep ties and shared interests between Malaysia and Brunei.
Following the meeting, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Anwar will witness the signing of several bilateral agreements, including those related to the land border between the two countries. These agreements are anticipated to enhance cooperation and resolve outstanding issues in various sectors.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this two-day working visit are key Malaysian officials, including Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Sarawak Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Prime Minister, who arrived in Brunei on Sunday night, is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
On Saturday, Nur Ezira Mahadi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Malaysian High Commission to Brunei, emphasized the significance of this consultation in strengthening the special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei. As close neighbors and partners in ASEAN, both nations will exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest during the consultation.
The leaders will also review the progress of bilateral cooperation and address any unresolved issues, further reinforcing their collaborative ties, which are anchored by shared cultural, linguistic, and historical commonalities, particularly the Malay Sultanate institution.
In 2023, Brunei was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and the sixth largest among ASEAN member countries, with a total trade value of RM9.31 billion (US$2.04 billion). From January to May 2024, Malaysia recorded a total trade value of RM3.53 billion with Brunei, underscoring the economic importance of the relationship between the two nations.
This 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and closer ties between Malaysia and Brunei, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
