Izah Azahari
Brunei and Malaysia continue to enjoy cooperation in various sectors including trade, defence, education, culture and health. This year’s exchange visits, deepening of trade relations and practical forms of cooperation are indications of the flourishing bilateral relations.
This was said by Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah during a dinner reception to mark Malaysia’s 65th National Day at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong last night.
“On behalf of the government of Malaysia, I would like to thank the Government of 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 for the re-opening of land and maritime borders on August 1.
“This will undoubtedly revive economic and tourism activities and bring people to people relations to normalcy,” the envoy said.
The high commissioner noted the close ties between leaders of both sides as well as the regular exchanges at all levels, such as the Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC), which is the greatest platform for discussion between the two leaders.
He also highlighted the total Brunei-Malaysia trade volume in 2021, which stood at MYR8.03 billion, an increase of 70.4 per cent from the previous year. Meanwhile, the first six months of the year saw a total trade at MYR5 billion.
“With this positive momentum and trade performance, it is not impossible for the trade volume to surpass the MYR10-billion mark by the end of this year. If this is the case, then for the first time in the history of our bilateral relations, the total trade volume would hit the double-digit figure.” He also noted that the two countries are continuing discussions to explore new areas of mutual strategic interest, including in agriculture and agro-food.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar attended as guest of honour, along with spouse Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee.
The event began with a dance performance followed by the sing-ing of the national anthems of the two countries.
Following the envoy’s speech, the event continued with a cake-cutting ceremony by Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham and spouse and the Malaysian high commissioner and spouse.
