Brunei expresses confidence in M'sia's ability to promote peace

PUTRAJAYA: The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, today expressed confidence in Malaysia's contribution to the promotion of international peace and security as a United Nations Security Council non-permanent member.
According to a joint statement issued in conjunction with the 18th annual leaders' consultation between Malaysia and Brunei here, he congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for Malaysia's success in winning the UNSC seat for the 2015-2016 term.
It said Najib also expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support given to Malaysia by Brunei.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also expressed his best wishes and full support for Najib in conjunction with Malaysia assuming the chairmanship of Asean next year.
The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of Asean and its centrality, and looked forward to the historic establishment of the Asean Community in 2015 under the Malaysian chairmanship, said the statement.
Meanwhile, the two countries expressed satisfaction with the progress of the implementation of the Exchange of Letters signed in 2009 to pave the way for a strategic bilateral partnership.
However, both leaders urged their officials to intensify efforts to conclude the outstanding elements as well as other issues deliberated by both sides.
A joint statement said they also reaffirmed their commitment to maritime cooperation and reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation in the agriculture, information, technology, communication and taxation sectors.
Najib and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah noted the steadfast cooperation and partnership between Petronas and PetroleumBRUNEI, which has extended beyond the commercial arrangement area, and included progress in exploration activities under the production sharing agreements for Blocks N and Q and in third countries such as Canada.
The statement said the leaders reiterated their commitment to enhance economic cooperation between Brunei and Sabah and Sarawak.
They agreed to hold the 19th annual leaders consultation in Brunei next year.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrived here today on a three-day visit in conjunction with the leaders' consultation. -- Bernama