PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on a two-day working visit to Brunei on Sunday (Aug 25) and Monday for the 25th Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC), touted as the highest bilateral mechanism between the two nations.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said in a statement on Saturday that during the 25th ALC, Anwar and Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, will review the progress of bilateral cooperation and discuss outstanding issues.
"As close neighbours and partners in Asean, the two leaders will exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” said the ministry.
Wisma Putra said that both leaders are also expected to witness the signing of several bilateral instruments.
According to Wisma Putra’s statement, Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
"This ALC will further strengthen the special ties and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, underpinned by the Malay Sultanate institution and other commonalities such as culture, language, and heritage,” said Wisma Putra.
In 2023, Brunei was Malaysia's 30th largest trading partner and the 6th largest among Asean member states with total trade amounting to RM9.31 billion (US$2.04 billion).
Total exports to Brunei in 2023 were valued at RM6.40 billion (US$1.40 billion), while total imports from Brunei were valued at RM2.91 billion (US$0.64 billion), resulting in a trade surplus of RM3.49 billion (US$0.76 billion) in Malaysia’s favour.
From January to May 2024, Malaysia recorded a total trade of RM3.53 billion (US$0.75 billion) with Brunei. - Bernama
