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.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

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.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

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 morning chaired the Meeting of the Council of Ministers at Istana Nurul Iman.

Present at the Cabinet Meeting were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also present were members of the Cabinet Ministers’ Council.

During the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered a Titah.

The Meeting of the Council of Ministers began with the recital of Doa Selamat by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Minister of Religious Affairs.

This is the first cabinet meeting since the appointment of the new Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers which took effect on 4th June 2026. The new Cabinet was sworn in on Monday, 8th June 2026 with the appointment of 17 Ministers and 4 Deputy Ministers for a period of four years.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

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, in a titah welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as a clear long-term compass towards a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN. To realise this vision, practical cooperation that strengthens resilience in areas of greatest importance is needed.

In a titah while attending the Plenary Session of the 48th ASEAN Summit at the Mactan Expo, Cebu City, Republic of the Philippines, His Majesty expresses support for ongoing efforts to implement the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, expand the ASEAN Power Grid, and advance the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, and encouraged the exploration of energy security arrangements with Dialogue Partners, drawing on lessons from successful regional mechanisms.

Hence, His Majesty in a titah says ASEAN must address energy-food linkages to ensure food security, as rising fuel prices impact production, transport, fertilisers, and food costs across the region. In addition, the strengthening of emergency reserves such as ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve APTERR, improving information-sharing, boosting productivity, and enhancing technology cooperation can build stronger safety nets for the region’s people.

His Majesty first attended the Opening Ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. 

The arrival of His Majesty was welcomed by His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of Philippines and spouse, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

The Opening Ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit – which was also attended by other Leaders of ASEAN – commenced with the ASEAN anthem, “The ASEAN Way”.

This was followed by Welcoming Remarks from His Excellency the President of the Philippines as Chairman of ASEAN this year, in which His Excellency welcomed all Leaders and delegates attending the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended a Dinner hosted by His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of the Philippines and spouse, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, which was held at Cowrie Cove, Shangri-La Mactan Resort, Cebu. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by His Excellency the President of the Philippines and spouse. Also present were other ASEAN Leaders who are in Cebu to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto