OFFICIAL VISIT OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN TO BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
OFFICIAL VISIT OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI
MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN TO BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan undertook an Official Visit to Brunei Darussalam on 15 February 2024. This was the Foreign Minister’s first visit to Brunei Darussalam since he assumed office in December 2023. The Foreign Minister was accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Bandar Seri Begawan, the Foreign Minister had an audience with 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 which bilateral and international matters of mutual interest were discussed.
The Foreign Minister expressed his commitment to the strengthening of Malaysia-Brunei ties, including in trade and investment. On the international front, he reiterated that the conflict in Palestine is not just a religious issue but a universal humanitarian issue and called for all parties to take united and decisive action to stop the hostilities in Gaza.
The Foreign Minister also held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam YB Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof. Both ministers discussed the progress of the outcomes of the 24th Annual Leader’s Consultation, which was held on 3 August 2023 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Both parties also lauded the proposed launch of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in the second quarter of this year, which is aimed at promoting trade exchanges and enhancing the tourism sector in both countries.
The official visit has further strengthened the longstanding bilateral relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. This year, both countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
In 2023, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Brunei stood at USD2.04 billion (RM9.31 billion). Brunei Darussalam was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and 6th largest among ASEAN Member States.
PUTRAJAYA
15 February 2024