Regional and global security challenges particularly the threats of terrorism, irregular migration, cyber security and transnational crime were among the key matters discussed at the 7th Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (SRM) which was held at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, Indonesia earlier today.
Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the meeting was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and Minister of Defence II. Also present were His Excellency Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Abdul Kadir, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Indonesia; Yang Mulia Awang Zulhusam bin Haji Abdul Samad, Permanent Secretary (Security and Law), PMO along with Senior Officers from the PMO.
The 7th SRM was co-chaired by His Excellency General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; and The Honourable Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Cyber Security, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship of Australia. Also participating in this year’s meeting were Ministers and Senior Officials from Malaysia, New Zealand, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore and Thailand.
The Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the PMO, and Minister of Defence II emphasized Brunei Darussalam’s position and policy of maintaining friendly relations with all countries in an effort to preserve the peace and security of this region. His remarks also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in the SRM to address the issue of terrorism and violent extremism in the region. In this regard, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia will serve as Co-Chairs of the Senior Officials’ Counter-Terrorism Policy Forum under the SRM next year.
The Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Minister of Defence II also shared Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in combatting irregular migration particularly Trafficking in Persons. Recently, Brunei Darussalam’s ranking in the United States Trafficking in Persons Report has been upgraded for two consecutive years, rising to the Tier 2 Watch List in 2025 and to Tier 2 this year.
Later on, the delegation led by the Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the PMO, and Minister of Defence II also held a Courtesy Call with The Honourable Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Cyber Security, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship of Australia. During the Courtesy Call, both countries expressed satisfaction with the long-standing ties and cooperation across various areas, particularly in security. Both countries also discussed avenues to further strengthen cooperation on matters of mutual significance, including border security and cyber security.
News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infomation Department