HM And Malaysian PM Hold Talks
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei-Malaysia relations and issues of mutual concern to both countries came under discussion yesterday during a four-eye meeting between His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Istana Nurul Imam.
Following the 11th annual consultation session, both leaders are expected to endorse a joint proposal today to resolve a maritime border issue which halted oil exploration off Borneo Island, according to a news report by Reuters.
Prior to the meeting, the premier and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, were received in an audience at the Istana by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar.
Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Malaysian PM's delegation yesterday included Foreign Minister Dato? Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Higher Education Minister Dato? Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of Home Affairs Dato? Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
After the reception, His Majesty and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi conducted a separate, two-way meeting.
The consultation, held yearly on a reciprocal basis, provides the platform for exchange of views and ideas to enhance bilateral cooperation and aims to forge closer ties between the two countries.
Communication and transportation matters between the two countries were also discussed as well as improvements in visa handling and the process of entry for citizens of both countries at joint border areas.
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is scheduled to leave today after a short two-day working visit to the sultanate.
His arrival yesterday at the Brunei International Airport was greeted by Brunei's Education Minister, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.
-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times, 15 August 2007