BEIJING: His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday (May 12) afternoon attended bilateral meetings with President of China Xi Jinping and with Vice President of China Han Zheng.
BILATERAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OF CHINA XI JINPING
During the bilateral meeting, His Royal Highness highlighted the close and long-standing friendship between Brunei Darussalam and China, which was forged well before diplomatic ties were established and nurtured through the historical linkages that have continued to bind the two countries together.
China remains Brunei Darussalam’s steadfast partner, underscored by close cooperation in trade and investment and active high-level exchanges of visits.
His Royal Highness emphasised that the Strategic Cooperative Partnership toward a Brunei-China community with a shared future, agreed in 2025, is a testament to the vision and wisdom of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President Xi Jinping in building deeper mutual trust and respect.
The official visit is meaningful as both countries celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, towards building closer ties and a solid foundation for increased exchanges and collaborative efforts.
Upholding an open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral system remains key to ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.
In this regard, His Royal Highness expressed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working closely with China in addressing these challenges in a constructive and coordinated manner.
China’s support, incuding through the Asean-China Dialogue Relations has continued to deliver substantial benefits in the region.
Although it has been five years since the Dialogue Relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Brunei Darussalam’s chairmanship of Asean in 2021, this Partnership has continued to deliver concrete benefits to the region.
In ending the sabda, His Royal Highness congratulated President Xi Jinping on China’s hosting of the APEC Summit in November 2026 and extended Brunei’s steadfast support and best wishes in their preparations.
BILATERAL MEETING WITH VICE PRESIDENT OF CHINA HAN ZHENG
The bilateral meeting with Han Zheng was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
During the meeting, His Royal Highness recalled his official visit to Brunei Darussalam in 2024.
Brunei Darussalam and China share an enduring relationship, underpinned by excellent cooperation in various areas which continues to bring tangible benefits and prosperity to both countries.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and His Royal Highness expressed satisfaction that both countries have steadily expanded cooperation in the political, economic, and socio-cultural affairs.
His Royal Highness also acknowledged the steadfast efforts of the Chinese Government in China’s remarkable transformation over the years.
However, given the current geopolitical uncertainties, His Royal Highness underlined the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation to safeguard our mutual interests to ensure continued sustainable economic development.
Apart from expressing Brunei Darussalam’s readiness to further enhance existing cooperation between both countries, His Royal Highness also stated that as this year marks the 5th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Brunei Darussalam greatly values China’s steadfast commitment to promoting security, prosperity, and development in the region.
After the meeting, the Vice President hosted a dinner banquet at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
