Sultan, Putin discuss strengthening Brunei-Russia ties
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, attended a bilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in Kazan on Wednesday.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied His Majesty during the meeting.
His Majesty expressed appreciation to President Putin for hosting the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit and recalled previous engagements between the two countries, including President Putin’s visit to Brunei Darussalam for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2000 and his virtual participation during Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021.
Discussing bilateral relations, His Majesty highlighted the significance of this year as Brunei Darussalam and Russia commemorate 35 years of diplomatic relations in October.
His Majesty noted that relations between the two countries have developed into meaningful cooperation in areas including education, defence, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Progress has also been made through platforms such as the Joint Working Group and regular Navy Staff Talks, with His Majesty stressing the importance of further strengthening cooperation, including the finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Naval Cooperation and other pending agreements.
His Majesty welcomed Russian students to consider Brunei Darussalam as a destination for further studies, while also encouraging Russian businesses to explore investment opportunities in areas such as downstream oil and gas, food, services, tourism and information and communications technology (ICT).
His Majesty also welcomed Russia’s support for the work of the ASEAN Climate Change Centre in Brunei Darussalam once it becomes operational.
On regional and international developments, His Majesty expressed appreciation for Russia’s continued support for ASEAN Centrality, noting that dialogue relations remain important in promoting constructive engagement.
His Majesty also looked forward to continued cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Russia at the United Nations and other multilateral forums in support of a rules-based international order.
Touching on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine, His Majesty expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis and reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s support for an independent State of Palestine based on the two-State solution and pre-1967 borders.
His Majesty called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, while expressing appreciation for Russia’s continued advocacy on the Palestinian issue.
His Majesty also reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s opposition to the use of force in the situation involving Iran, urging all parties to pursue diplomacy and dialogue towards achieving a just and lasting peace.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Majesty conveyed appreciation to President Putin for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and extended an invitation for the Russian leader to undertake a State Visit to Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation established diplomatic relations on October 1, 1991, with both countries continuing to maintain friendly cooperation in trade, defence, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.