KUCHING – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Annual Leaders’ Consultation with a four-way meeting involving Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.
The meeting formed part of the latest annual consultation between the two countries, providing an opportunity for the Malaysian and Bruneian leaderships to discuss matters of mutual interest and review bilateral relations.
Anwar said the discussion with Sultan Hassanal was conducted in an open and cordial manner, reflecting the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
He described the relationship as being underpinned by close ties, mutual trust and a special friendship that has developed between the two countries over many years.
The four-way meeting marked the opening of the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation, commonly known as ALC-27.
The annual forum provides a platform for the leadership of Malaysia and Brunei to exchange views on issues of shared concern and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In a statement accompanying the meeting, Anwar said the discussions allowed both leaders to exchange views openly on various matters of mutual interest.
The consultation comes within the broader context of Malaysia-Brunei relations, which encompass political, economic, social and regional interests.
Regular high-level engagements between the neighbouring countries provide an avenue for their leaders to address issues directly and maintain close communication.
Malaysia and Brunei share longstanding historical, cultural and people-to-people links, as well as close geographical ties on the island of Borneo.
Brunei’s territory also borders the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, giving bilateral relations a particular significance for communities and economic activity in the region.
The annual consultation is therefore an important channel for both governments to discuss matters affecting their bilateral relationship while maintaining dialogue at the highest level.
Anwar’s remarks emphasised the importance of trust and friendship in sustaining the relationship between the two countries.
His meeting with Sultan Hassanal also provided an opportunity for both sides to continue direct engagement on issues of mutual interest.
The 27th edition of the consultation follows the established practice of regular meetings between Malaysia and Brunei’s leaders.
Such engagements allow the two governments to review areas of cooperation and exchange perspectives on developments relevant to both countries.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, highlighting the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Further discussions during ALC-27 are expected to provide an avenue for Malaysia and Brunei to consider bilateral matters and areas of common interest as both sides continue efforts to maintain and strengthen their longstanding ties.
The meeting also underscores the role of direct communication between the leaders of Malaysia and Brunei in sustaining a relationship based on geographical proximity, shared interests and longstanding connections.
