Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mikhail Vladimirovich Baranov highlighted longstanding friendly bilateral ties between the two countries yesterday during the reception for 32nd anniversary of Brunei-Russia diplomatic relations at the embassy premises.
The country marked 32 years of diplomatic relations with Russia on October 1. A reception ceremony was held yesterday, attended by government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
“Our ties have turned into a warm and cooperative partnership, driven by our shared positions on various global issues and commitment to bolstering interactions within ASEAN,” said the ambassador.
“Our two nations have found common ground in foreign policy stances, aligning on some pressing international matters. The alignment of our positions on issues such as climate change, counterterrorism, and regional security has been instrumental in fostering friendly ties,” he added.
The ambassador also noted a strong personal rapport between the leaders of the two countries, adding it has played a significant role in cementing amicable relations and solidified diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, regular and positive interactions between foreign ministries are a testament to the strong bonds between the two countries, he said. “These contacts serve as platforms for discussing and advancing various areas of cooperation, from trade and investment to cultural exchanges,” he said.
He said Russia is a longstanding dialogue partner of ASEAN, adding that, “Both our nations are eager to maintain and strengthen the central role that ASEAN plays in shaping regional affairs and maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia, support the concept of truly multilateral cooperation not allowing the diktat of a single state.
“We are convinced that our Brunei friends, who assume their duties as Russian-ASEAN dialogue partnership coordinator in 2024, will contribute significantly to our mutually beneficial interaction with the ASEAN family.”
The ambassador said multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the sphere of security is also of utmost importance to both sides.
“Right now the delegation of the Russian Ministry of Defence is participating in the first meeting of the Russia-Brunei Joint Working Group on defence cooperation.
“We also note with satisfaction our cooperation within the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. The Brunei Ministry of Defence is facilitating the development of military-medical cooperation within the ADMM-Plus, that is fully supported by Russia.
“Brunei’s Ministry of Defence also contributes significantly to the work of annual Moscow Conference on International security, a forum for the assessment of global and regional security matters,” he said.
“Both countries attach great importance to developing humanitarian ties. Efforts have been made to promote a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, fostering people-to-people connections through cultural exchange programmes and educational partnerships. This year, four Brunei students left for Russia to study under Russian government scholarships.”
In conclusion, the ambassador said, “Russia and Brunei are committed to nurturing friendly and mutually beneficial relations across all sectors of interest.
“With a shared approach to many international issues, a focus on the ASEAN framework, and a keen interest in humanitarian connections, our two nations are poised to continue strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing common goals on the world stage.” – James Kon
