JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 25TH ANNUAL LEADERS’ CONSULTATION BETWEEN HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM[...]

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE

25^TH ANNUAL LEADERS' CONSULTATION

BETWEEN

HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH

SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

AND

THE HONOURABLE DATO' SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM,

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and The Honourable Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia held the 25^th Annual Leaders' Consultation, which was conducted in an amicable atmosphere, signifying the enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries and its people.

1. Both Leaders welcomed the key milestones celebrated this year, including the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia; the 25^th Annual Leaders' Consultation; as well as the 15^th anniversary of the signing of the Exchange of Letters between His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Both Leaders also expressed pleasure with the continued efforts to enhance the good relations between the two countries since their last meeting during His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's visit to Kuala Lumpur to attend the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on 20 July 2024.

1. The Leaders also welcomed the Official Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office to Malaysia from 17 to 21 August 2024 towards further strengthening the friendship and much-valued ties between the people and countries.

1. Reflecting on these important achievements, both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the strong bonds of kinship and cooperation under the respective bilateral mechanisms in areas of mutual interest, with a view to exploring new opportunities for collaboration, enhancing strategic cooperation and addressing shared challenges for the well-being and prosperity of the people of both countries.

1. The Leaders highlighted the value of high-level engagements in strengthening the fraternal bond between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia and underlined the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties through multi-faceted initiatives such as student exchange, internship programmes, cooperation in culture and literature as well as in the promotion of the Malay language.

1. The Leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the implementation of the 2009 Exchange of Letters, which remains important in advancing the strategic collaboration of both countries, and encouraged officials to continue implementing the Agreement through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

1. In this regard, both Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 25^th Meeting between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia on the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters held on 12 August 2024 in Brunei Darussalam as well as the outcomes of the 3^rd Meeting of the Joint Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Land Boundary Committee, which was held on 11 July 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

1. The Leaders were pleased with the signing of the Exchange of Notes at the Ministerial-level which reflected the strong commitment by both countries to make significant joint progress in the priority areas, specifically Sector F-G, as soon as possible. Both sides also welcomed the timeline of activities agreed in the Exchange of Notes and looked forward to determining the watershed by 31 May 2025 and for both sides to complete the demarcation and survey of Sector F-G by 31 May 2027.

1. Both Leaders were also pleased with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of Malaysia on Phase One of the Joint Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia for Sector D-E, specific sections in Sector C-D, Sector E-F, Sector K-L and part of Sector J-K in the vicinity of Jambatan Persahabatan and Block B in the vicinity of Brunei Bay. The Leaders also recognised that the signing of these documents signified the progress made in the joint demarcation and survey of the land boundary between both countries since 2012, marking yet another step forward in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia's steadfast relations.

1. The Leaders expressed their satisfaction with the excellent work of the Joint Technical Committee on the Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia on the significant progress achieved in the joint survey and demarcation works so far, noting that a total distance of 175.966 km, equivalent to 33.3 percent of the total of the land boundary, has been demarcated. In this regard, they urged both technical teams to undertake the joint demarcation and survey exercise expeditiously, particularly in priority areas such as in Sector A-B, Sector F-G and Sector G-H, with a view towards completing all works by 2034.

1. Both Leadersnoted the First Meeting of the Working Committee on Security Matters Related to the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary held on 1 July 2024 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The Leaders also noted the ongoing discussions between officials of both countries to jointly address matters related to security along the boundary between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia and looked forward to the outcomes which will be further deliberated by the Joint Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary Committee. The Leaders urged both sides to continue their engagement under this platform, emphasising the importance of enhancing communication and information sharing among the relevant enforcement agencies, as well as finding ways to combat illegal activities along the border, in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the Working Committee.

1. The Leaders expressed satisfaction on the continued progress made by PETRONAS and Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam through the collaboration in the Commercial Arrangement Areas (CAA) and Production Sharing Agreements (PSA).

1. Both Leaders expressed the importance of enhancing closer economic collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. The Leaders encouraged exploring further investment opportunities between the respective agencies, as well as strengthening cooperation in various sectors including tourismand agriculture for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

1. Both Leaders welcomed the development of stronger business and commercial ties through the establishment of the Brunei Darussalam-Sabah Joint Business Council and Brunei Darussalam-Sarawak Joint Business Council. The Leaders also looked forward to the opening of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam this year, which will enhance tourism cooperation and promote greater interaction between Brunei Darussalam and the state of Sarawak.

1. The Leaders looked forward to closer economic linkages through commercial paddy cultivation and livestock integration, tapping into Sarawak's agricultural resources and Brunei Darussalam's Halal branding. This will contribute to enhancing food security, resilient supply chains and market access.

1. The Leaders welcomed the progress made in realising the cross-border power interconnection project between Lumut, Kuala Belait and Tudan, Miri, which aims to ensure a steady supply of energy and also establishing opportunities for a bilateral power trade between ASEAN Member States.

1. Both Leaders acknowledged the close cooperation and the potential forincreased collaboration in the energy sector between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia and welcomed future ventures that would benefit both countries.

1. The Leaders acknowledged the ongoing discussions on investments in mutually beneficial areas under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) which was signed on 25 January 2023. The Leaders were of the view that potential investments in thoseareas would further contribute to greater mutual economic growth.The Leaders also encouraged fostering new collaborative efforts to boost economic growth and expand employment opportunities in both countries, particularly through initiatives driven by the private sector.

1. Both Leaders highlighted the importance of exchanging knowledgeand expertise in agriculture betweenthe two countries towards ensuring food security. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for the agricultural training courses provided by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) for the technical officers of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood of Brunei Darussalam (DOAA),which have helped facilitate the enhancement of Brunei Darussalam's agricultural sector. Both Leaders look forward to continued agricultural collaboration for the benefit of both countries.

1. Both Leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring regional peace and security, particularly, through the excellent defence and military cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, including the conduct of bilateral meetings, active exchanges and training programmes. Furthermore, the Leaders commended the contributions of both Armed Forces in their longstanding peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

1. The Leaders were pleased with the continued participation by defence officials in initiatives such as the 18^th Defence Services Asia (DSA) and 3^rd National Security Asia (NATSEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in the Solidarity Jump and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Expo in conjunction with the 63^rd Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on 1 June 2024 in Bandar Seri Begawan.

1. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation under the various ASEAN-led defence mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in addressing traditional and non-traditional challenges and threats.

1. The Leaders took note of the intention to renew the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Higher, Technical and Vocational Education. Both Leaders commended the continued collaboration between educational institutions in Brunei and Malaysia, including in providing scholarship opportunities in higher education, promoting exchange and mobility programmes among students and academic staff as well as in exploring further cooperation in technical and vocational cooperation.

1. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen health cooperation and noted the ongoing discussions to renew the Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation, which was signed in 2006.

1. The Leaders underlined their commitment to enhancing connectivity as well as facilitating the movement of goods and people, and in this regard, were pleased with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Transport.

1. Both Leaders commended the strong people-to-people linkages that characterise the deep-rooted kinship between both countries, particularly through sporting activities. In this regard, the Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam and the Outward-Bound Trust of Malaysia on 1 November 2023, which aimed to support youths in developing leadership skills.

1. The Leaders noted the significant progress made during the 3^rd Bilateral Meeting between the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) of Brunei Darussalam and the National Disaster Management Agency of Malaysia (NADMA) held from 2 to 5 July 2024 in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Both Leaders welcomed the discussions in establishing a Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG) and also acknowledged Malaysia's support through the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to assist Brunei Darussalam in conducting a scoping exercise for Brunei Darussalam Fire and Rescue Department to obtain the United Nations' International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) External Classification (IEC).

1. The Leaders acknowledged the establishment of a Joint Committee under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Areas of Syariah Judiciary, which includes sharing of the Syariah court's grounds of judgment. The Leaders also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Judicial Cooperation in March 2024 aimed at strengthening communication, collaboration and cooperation on issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution, including areas on court administration, court technology and judicial education and training.

1. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen ASEAN Centrality and unity in upholding regional peace, stability, and development amidst regional and international uncertainties. The Leaders also reaffirmed their Governments' steadfast commitment to realising a rules-based, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community under the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 once adopted at the 46^th ASEAN Summit in May 2025 under Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN.

1. In this regard, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam expressed Brunei Darussalam's full support for Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and looked forward to working closely in delivering tangible socio-economic benefits to the people of ASEAN.

1. The Leaders discussed the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed deepconcern regarding the ongoing violence and humanitarian situation in the country. Both Leaders reiterated the unified position that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC)remains as ASEAN's main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmarand further called for the full and effective implementation of the 5PC by all parties. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with ASEAN and other external partners, including the United Nations to encourage progress in the implementation of the 5PC in its entirety, in line with the ASEAN Leaders' Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, with the end goal of finding a peaceful and durable solution, in the interest of the people of Myanmar.

1. Both Leaders expressed grave concern over the dire situation in the Middle East and condemned the ongoing genocide and aggression in the Gaza Strip by the Occupying Power, which has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian disaster and massive loss of innocent lives. The Leaders urged the international community to work together in bringing an end to the continuing aggression and destruction, to avoid further spread of the conflict into the wider region. Both Leaders also called on all parties to negotiate an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, to achieve lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

1. Both Leaders remain in solidarity with the Palestinians in their struggle for peace, freedom and inalienable rights to self-determination, and underscored that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law and the relevant UN resolutions. The Leaders reaffirmed their full support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

1. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also extended his warmest congratulations to the Prime Minister of Malaysia as well as best wishes to the Government and all Malaysians on the occasion of Malaysia's 67^th Independence Day on 31 August 2024.

1. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussion and expressed commitmentto advancing the bilateral relations and cooperation.The Leadersalso emphasised the importance of the continued implementation of the Exchange of Letters.

1. The Leaders agreed to hold the 26^th Annual Leaders' Consultation in Malaysia in 2025.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

26 AUGUST 2024

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