Dato Seri Paduka Sufian (second from right) during the meeting. - PMO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Representatives from the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam joined delegations from 100 other countries at the 13th International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters from May 27 to 29 at the National Centre Russia in Moscow.
Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the annual meeting was led by Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Sufian Sabtu, as deputy chair of the National Security Committee.
The meeting commenced with an opening ceremony which was presided by Secretary to the Security Council of Russia Sergei Shoigu and officiated by an opening address delivered by President of Russia Vladimir Putin.
Brunei Darussalam’s delegation participated in the plenary session of the meeting and on the same day. Dato Seri Paduka Sufian also had the opportunity to deliver some remarks at the Asean-Russia Consultations of the High-Ranking Representatives for Security Issues which was co-chaired by Sergei Shoigu representing Russia and Admiral Moe Aung representing Myanmar.
At the meeting, Dato Seri Paduka Sufian highlighted the importance of Asean-Russia relations and mentioned that Brunei Darussalam will continue to foster long-standing ties with Asean Dialog Partners including Russia especially in the field of security.
On the following day, Dato Seri Paduka Sufian participated in a roundtable discussion on the issue of Information Security which was moderated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia SV Verishnin and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Russia DG Gribkov.
Brunei Darussalam’s delegation also had the opportunity to have a bilateral meeting with Deputy Minister at the Ministry of the Interior of Russia Igor Zubov.
During this bilateral meeting, both countries discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation in combatting illicit drugs, which is one of the priority areas highlighted in the memorandum of understanding between the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam and the Security Council of Russia that was renewed in April 2024.
Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Russia Pengiran Muhammad Husaini Alauddin, Acting Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the PMO Zulhusam Abdul Samad and Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau Dato Paduka Mohd Zalani Ismail were also present. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
