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 Brunei Darussalam, this afternoon received in audience the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

His Excellency was in Brunei Darussalam for a one-day working visit to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the health sector. The visit focused on efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services, enhance the capacity development of the healthcare workforce, and promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices between the two countries.

As part of the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding on health cooperation was signed between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia, reflecting the commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in the development and improvement of healthcare systems for their mutual benefit. His Excellency also visited Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.

Accompanying His Excellency at the Audience Ceremony held at Istana Nurul Iman were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Professor Dr. Achmad Ubaedillah; and Deputy Health Minister of the Republic of Indonesia, Yuli Farianti.

Also present was the Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar.

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Upon the conclusion of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, this afternoon left Kazan, Russian Federation.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Prior to departure, Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Present at Kazan International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were His Excellency Alexey Pesoshin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan; and His Excellency Yuri Kamaltynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Also present were His Excellency Pengiran Muhammad Husaini bin Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Russian Federation and officials from the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Moscow.

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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 Brunei Darussalam, today attended the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, which was held at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

At the First Plenary Session of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, His Majesty in a titah expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin for the warm welcome and to the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and people of Kazan for their generous hospitality. His Majesty also expressed sincere condolences to His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Kingdom of Thailand.

Reflecting on the evolution of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership over the past thirty-five years, alongside the significant changes that have shaped both the region and the wider world, His Majesty highlighted that this partnership has proven resilient and increasingly vital in navigating global transformations. In addition, ASEAN-Russia cooperation has significantly strengthened across all three ASEAN Community pillars, demonstrating Russia’s strong commitment to ASEAN’s regional efforts and shared goals of peace, security and prosperity.

Furthermore, His Majesty highlighted that through collaboration, the partnership has delivered tangible benefits and fostered strong friendships between the peoples of both regions. As ASEAN pursues its Vision 2045, it faces a challenging world marked by political tensions, economic divisions, climate challenges and rapid technological progress. Hence, His Majesty underscored that ASEAN-Russia cooperation will remain vital for strengthening collective resilience and advancing peace, stability and prosperity in areas where it can make a meaningful impact, including energy and food security, climate action, disaster management and non-traditional security challenges.

His Majesty emphasised that at the heart of these efforts are the people, and that through education, exchanges and training, future generations must be equipped with the skills and networks needed to strengthen the partnership. Ultimately, ASEAN-Russia relations will be measured by the actual benefits delivered to the peoples.

Lastly, His Majesty welcomed the Kazan Declaration 2026, which reaffirms the commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership. To this end, His Majesty expressed confidence that as both sides chart the next thirty-five years, they will draw on the trust and cooperation developed over time to successfully navigate future challenges.

At the end of this Plenary Session, four (4) outcome documents were adopted, namely: the Kazan Declaration 2026: ASEAN Russian Federation: Unity in Diversity – 35 Years Together; Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-Russian Federation Strategic Partnership (2026–2030); Joint Statement of ASEAN and the Russian Federation on Energy Cooperation; and Joint Statement of ASEAN and the Russian Federation on Cultural Cooperation.

His Majesty and other Heads of Delegation later attended the Second Plenary Session (Working Lunch) themed “Integration Processes in Eurasia”. The Working Lunch also featured remarks by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Board, as well as a report on the outcome of the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum – a side event of the Commemorative Summit – held on 17th June 2026, which was welcomed by His Majesty and the Co-Chairs of the Forum.

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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 Brunei Darussalam, today attended a Bilateral Meeting with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, which was held in Kazan, Russian Federation.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the Bilateral Meeting, His Majesty conveyed his appreciation to His Excellency President Putin for hosting the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit. It has been over a decade since His Majesty’s last visit to Russia – in which His Majesty also recalled memories of previous visits and exchanges, including welcoming His Excellency President Putin to Brunei Darussalam for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2000 and his virtual participation during Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021.

On bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Russia, His Majesty stated that this year is especially meaningful as both countries commemorate 35 years of diplomatic relations this October. Relations have matured into substantive cooperation across key areas such as education, defence, security and people-to-people exchanges. Along with this, steady progress has been achieved through the Joint Working Group and regular Navy Staff Talks. On this front, His Majesty highlighted the need to deepen engagement, including the finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Naval Cooperation and other pending agreements to create tangible benefits.

His Majesty further welcomed Russian students to consider Brunei as a destination for their studies to strengthen people-to-people ties, as well as for Russian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Brunei in areas such as downstream oil and gas, food, services, tourism and I.C.T. In addition, His Majesty welcomed Russia, as a trusted partner, to support the work of the ASEAN Climate Change Centre in Brunei once operational.

Touching on regional and international issues, His Majesty expressed appreciation for Russia’s consistent support for ASEAN Centrality and viewed Dialogue Relations as vital for constructive engagement. In this regard, His Majesty looked forward to continued cooperation between Brunei and Russia within the United Nations and other multilateral forums to uphold a rules-based international order.

His Majesty expressed deep concern over the evolving crisis in the Middle East, particularly regarding Palestine, and reiterated support for an independent State of Palestine based on the two-State solution and pre-1967 borders. In calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, His Majesty expressed appreciation for Russia’s consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, His Majesty underscored Brunei’s firm opposition to the use of force in the situation involving Iran, calling for all parties to engage faithfully in diplomacy and dialogue for a just and lasting peace. His Majesty also expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would help safeguard commerce, reduce regional tensions, towards a swift, peaceful outcome in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz.

At the end of the meeting, His Majesty conveyed appreciation to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin for his commitment to strengthening the two countries’ relations and extended an invitation for His Excellency to hold a State Visit to Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation established diplomatic ties on 1^st October 1991 and enjoy warm and friendly relations in areas including trade, defence, education, culture as well as people-to-people exchanges.

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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 Brunei Darussalam, today arrived in Kazan, Russian Federation to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit that will be held on 17th to 18th June 2026.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Upon arrival at Kazan International Airport, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was welcomed by His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.

Also present to greet His Majesty was His Excellency Pengiran Muhammad Husaini bin Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Russian Federation.

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