His Majesty informed of the completion of Phase 1 of the Hengyi project as well as the commencement of Phase 2.
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 during a Bilateral Meeting with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday stressed the importance of ensuring that South China Sea continue to remain peaceful and stable.
The meeting was held at St. Regis, San Francisco, California, USA. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty further stated that any tensions in the region are a matter of great concern and that whatever issues that arise should be addressed through peaceful dialogue and consultations based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.
His Majesty also looks forward to working closely with China in negotiating a Code of Conduct that will be meaningful to both sides and be an example to the international community of the collective intentions towards peace and security in the region.
Earlier during the Meeting, His Majesty stated that 2023 marks the 5th Anniversary of the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China and looked forward to continuing the work together to further enhance the goodwill and friendship that has long existed between the two countries.
On bilateral relations, His Majesty was pleased with the progress of cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and fisheries, education and people-to-people exchanges. His Majesty also noted that cooperation has expanded big data and artificial intelligence.
His Majesty informed of the completion of Phase 1 of the Hengyi project as well as the commencement of Phase 2, whereby the agreement was signed on 8th November 2023. With China’s approval, His Majesty expressed hope to have it completed by the end of the year.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the scholarships and training offered by Hengyi which has helped the country build its technical capacity and human capital.
In addition, His Majesty stated that Brunei Darussalam is interested to tap into China’s expertise in the areas of renewable energy and green initiatives that will complement its national and regional efforts. Furthermore, Brunei is also keen to explore and expand the export of agriculture and fisheries products to China.
Touching on people to people ties, His Majesty is of the view that the resumption of travel between Brunei and China will further promote the respective tourism sectors.
The President of the People’s Republic of China highlighted the long history of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China. As this year marks the 5th anniversary of the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries, he said that China stands ready to work with Brunei to continuously advance bilateral ties, and continue to promote high-quality cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative to bring more benefits to people in both countries.
Discussions also included mutual matters of regional importance, such as the East Asia Cooperation in upholding ASEAN’s architecture, Brunei as a hub for the BIMP-EAGA region, and appreciation for Brunei’s support towards China’s accession to the CPTPP.
In addition, both Leaders expressed concern about the continued violence in the Gaza Strip, and stood in solidarity in looking forward to the two-state solution.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is in the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM).
