PUTRAJAYA, March 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, will be undertaking a working visit to Malaysia from this Monday till Wednesday.
He will arrive in conjunction with the 22nd Malaysia-Negara Brunei Darussalam Annual Leaders’ Consultation, and will be welcomed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad here.
“This year marks the first meeting between Dr Mahathir and Sultan Hassanal under the Annual Leaders’ Consultation framework, which is the highest platform for discussion on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of common concern,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.
It said that the two leaders exchanged visits in May and September last year, following the appointment of Dr Mahathir as Malaysia’s 7th Prime Minister.
The 21st Annual Leaders’ Consultation was held in Bandar Seri Begawan on Nov 23, 2017.
“The special relationship between both countries is based on a common heritage and culture.
“Building on this special relationship, both leaders will take the opportunity of this important visit and annual meeting to appraise the progress of the on-going cooperation; and explore new potential for a more comprehensive partnership that can mutually benefit the peoples of the two countries,” it added.
Wisma Putra said that the Prime Minister and his spouse, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, will also host a luncheon in honour of the Brunei Sultan during his visit.
Trade between both Asean member nations totalled US$981.2 million in 2018.
“Malaysia is a major (Asean) investor in Brunei, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to US$486.74 million in 2017, or nearly 90.9 per cent of total FDI (US$535.27 million) from fellow Asean members into Brunei,” it added. — NNN-AGENCIES
