KUALA LUMPUR: Brunei and Malaysia today reaffirmed their existing longstanding and special bilateral relations, with hopes of elevating them to greater heights in the post-pandemic era, said Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
The minister, who is on an official visit to Brunei, said this was following his meeting with Brunei Foreign Minister II Datuk Seri Setia Awang Erywan Mohd Yusof in Bandar Seri Begawan today.
Hishammuddin said today he had an audience with Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman, and several meetings with Datuk Seri Setia Erywan in Bandar Seri Begawan.
"Datuk Seri Setia Erywan and I also discussed three matters regarding the COVID-19 vaccine moving forward, specifically on a reciprocal vaccination arrangement for both nationals covering diplomats, students, and expatriates, besides ensuring access to vaccine supplies for both Malaysia and Brunei.
"And a reciprocal mutual recognition of vaccination certificates between both nations (was also discussed) as this step will facilitate cross border movement of the people between both countries," Hishammuddin said in a statement.
Hishammuddin is on a two-day official visit to Brunei starting yesterday at the invitation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Hishammuddin also said that he personally conveyed Malaysia's congratulations to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Dato Seri Setia Erywan, and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of their 37th National Day celebrations last week.
Commenting further, Hishammuddin said the close and special relationship Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam enjoy is "underpinned by our shared interests, common values, and interconnected culture".
He said existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC) and the Meeting on the Implementation of Exchange of Letters (EOL) are important platforms for both countries to exchange views on issues of mutual importance with concrete resolves.
"This would among others include the way forward on the joint demarcation and survey of our land boundary as well as further cooperation in the oil and gas sector," he added.
The minister said that while in Bandar Seri Begawan, he also took the opportunity to meet with officers from the High Commission of Malaysia.
"Through the Malaysian Diplomatic Equipment Stockpile (MDES) initiative, I handed over face masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand sanitisers, and thermal scanners with automated hand sanitiser machines to Nadia Azura Mohd Nudri, Charge d'affaires a.i. High Commission of Malaysia in Bandar Seri Begawan. I commended them for their efforts and dedication in assisting Malaysians in Brunei throughout the pandemic and their role in further strengthening the special relations between Malaysia and Brunei," said Hishammuddin.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Mar 01 2021
Hishammuddin said today he had an audience with Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman, and several meetings with Datuk Seri Setia Erywan in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.