BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, has called for a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and stronger international action to advance a just and lasting peace in Palestine.
His Royal Highness reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s support for an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, during the High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where His Royal Highness also attended the Annual Coordination Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the OIC meeting, His Royal Highness underscored the importance of collective action among member states through coordinated diplomacy and stronger engagement within the United Nations, particularly on Palestine.
His Royal Highness also stressed the need to uphold international law, respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protect civilians.
At the Global Alliance meeting, His Royal Highness also stressed the need for concrete international action to preserve Palestine’s territorial integrity and advance a just and lasting peace.
On the sidelines of the meetings, His Royal Highness held a series of bilateral discussions with foreign and international leaders.
His Royal Highness met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, reaffirming Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working with Commonwealth member states. They also discussed preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 2026.
In a meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding ties between the two countries and welcomed opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
His Royal Highness also met the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr Khalilur Rahman, expressing Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working closely with him during his presidency. They discussed ongoing United Nations reform.
During talks with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation and explored further collaboration in defence, food and energy security. They also exchanged views on ASEAN-Türkiye relations and regional and international developments.
His Royal Highness met Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, with both sides welcoming their warm and friendly relations and discussing opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
In a meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, both sides looked forward to commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Russia this year, and welcomed opportunities to further deepen engagement. They also discussed ASEAN-Russia relations, reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality and exchanged views on international developments. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
