Brunei, Malaysia strengthen ties with diplomatic visit and landmark border meeting

PUTRAJAYA: The recent visit by Brunei Darussalam's Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, to Malaysia has solidified the close relationship between the two countries.

The visit, spanning from July 10 to 12, focused on boosting cooperation in border management and strengthening diplomatic ties, paving the way for the upcoming 25th Annual Leaders' Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan in August 2024, as stated by the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) on Friday.

A key highlight of the visit was the Third Meeting of the Joint Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Land Boundary Committee (LBC-3), co-chaired by Erywan and Foreign Ministry's Malaysian Secretary-General Datuk Sri Amran Mohamed Zin.

Both sides acknowledged the positive progress and milestone achievements in border cooperation, following years of joint demarcation and survey work.

The visit also saw the commemoration of a significant milestone - the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

A celebratory dinner hosted by the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia brought together key figures from both countries, including Erywan and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan who served as Guests of Honour.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed both nations' commitment to fostering deeper collaboration for their mutual benefits, added the statement.

In 2023, Brunei Darussalam was Malaysia's 6th largest trading partner within ASEAN, with total trade amounting to US$2.04 billion (RM9.31 billion).

-- BERNAMA