Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam happy with strategic bilateral partnership progress

Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the implementation of the Exchange of Letters signed in 2009 to pave the way for strategic bilateral partnership.

In stressing the importance of the Exchange of Letters, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged their officials to intensify efforts to conclude the outstanding elements as well as other issues deliberated by both sides.

In a joint statement issued in conjunction with the 18th Annual Leaders' Consultation held here today, the two leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions to operationalise the provision of the Exchange of Letters relating to maritime access.

"In this regard, both leaders urged that efforts be intensified to enable the early conclusion if the discussion," the statement added.

The statement stated that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maritime cooperation and urged the officials of both countries to continue discussions towards increasing collaboration in the area with a view to having a memorandum of understanding in maritime cooperation.