BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will begin a two-day working visit to Brunei on Sunday (Aug 25) in conjunction with the 25th Annual Leaders' Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei.
Malaysia’s Charge d'Affaires ad interim in Brunei, Nur Ezira Mahadi, said Anwar is scheduled to have an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday (Aug 26) and hold a four-eyed meeting with the Brunei monarch at the Nurul Iman Palace here.
She said following the meeting, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Anwar would witness the signing of several bilateral agreements between Malaysia and Brunei, including those concerning the land border.
"As close neighbours and Asean partners, both leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern,” she told a press conference here on Saturday (Aug 24).
Nur Ezira added that during the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Anwar will review the progress of bilateral cooperation and unresolved issues between the two countries.
She said this consultation will further strengthen the special relationship and multilateral cooperation between the two nations, which are built on shared institutions like the Malay Sultanates and similarities in culture, language, and heritage.
"Furthermore, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam,” she noted.
Anwar is scheduled to arrive at 10.25pm on Sunday and will be accompanied by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, deputy ministers and other government officials will also be present.
"As the Charge d'Affaires ad interim, I will personally welcome the Prime Minister upon his arrival,” Nur Ezira said.
She said the Prime Minister would be greeted by Brunei government representatives, including the minister-in-attendance, Brunei's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, and Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof.
Anwar is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 26).
Last year, Brunei was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and the sixth largest among Asean countries, with total trade amounting to RM9.31bil (USD2.04 billion). – Bernama
