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 1st 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