‘Malaysia, Brunei ties at very good level’

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived here yesterday for the 21st Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation scheduled to be held at Istana Nurul Iman today.

He was welcomed by Brunei Education Minister Datuk Seri Setia Awang Suyoi Osman and Foreign Minister and Second Trade Minister Datuk Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng. It is learnt that after the meeting with Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah tomorrow, Najib will be feted to a feast at the palace.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Datuk Ghulam Jelani Khanizaman yesterday said ties between the two countries were at a “very good level” and that among the matters that would be discussed were the Pan-Borneo Highway and cooperation in the defence, oil and gas, and tourism sectors.

“This event is one of the important mechanisms to strengthen ties and cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei for the interests of both parties.”

He said visitors from Brunei to Malaysia were targeted to reach at least 1.5 million by year-end, surpassing last year’s record of 1.4 million.

“Bruneians are the fifth biggest contributor of visitors to our country annually. From January to July this year, the trade volume between both nations stands at RM2.69 billion. Najib’s visit is expected to open more opportunities for the public and private sectors in both countries to explore potential ventures.”