The bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia will continue to grow and it is imperative to maintain a future-driven relationship based on the historical bond, trust and confidence in cultivating shared interests and endeavours, said High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah on Wednesday at a reception to mark Malaysia National Day at The Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong.
“Malaysia is fully committed to strengthening the existing bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our nations and peoples,” he added.
He also said that Malaysia and the Sultanate will celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations next year.
Dato’ Raja Reza also said His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah paid a special visit to Brunei from September 7 to 9.
The visit was part of His Majesty the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s historic Borneo road trip which spans from Sabah to Sarawak from September 3 to 13 covering a distance of 2,154 kilometres.
The high commissioner said the partnership and friendship between the Sultanate and Malaysia remain deep and strong with frequent high-level visits standing as testaments to the special bond.
He also shared 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 became the first foreign leader to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in person four days after the Malaysian prime minister was elected, a clear evidence of the close relations between the two leaders.
“This year, we bear witness to two significant high-level visits – the official visit of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Brunei in January and a state visit by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia, hosted by the Malaysian king in conjunction with the 24th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) on August 2-4.
“The outcomes of these high-profile visits brought substantial benefit to both countries with a number of agreements signed, including the memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), which holds great potential for economic advancement.
“Additionally, cooperation in the spheres of youth and sports, as well as in Syariah judiciary, was formally solidified through agreements. The Treaty on International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) was another key achievement in security cooperation,” said the high commissioner.
Representing Brunei at the reception was Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha and spouse Datin Hajah Mahayon binti Mohd Taha. – Azlan Othman
