Anwar, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Hold Talks at 26th Malaysia–Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation
Putrajaya, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at Seri Perdana for the 26th Malaysia–Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC), underscoring the deep-rooted partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
The Sultan, accompanied by Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, arrived at Seri Perdana at approximately 10:30 a.m. and was greeted by the Prime Minister along with senior Malaysian leaders, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and several cabinet ministers.
During the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation, inked by Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and his Bruneian counterpart Datuk Seri Dr Mohammad Isham Jaafar. The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration in medical research, public health initiatives, and healthcare services.
Following the ceremony, Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah convened a four-eyed meeting to deliberate on key bilateral matters, including economic, social, and regional issues. The Sultan later attended an official luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister at Seri Perdana.
The ALC remains the highest bilateral platform for Malaysia and Brunei, serving as a critical avenue to review existing cooperation, address regional and international challenges, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Brunei was Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner within ASEAN in 2024, with total bilateral trade reaching RM7.53 billion (approximately US$1.77 billion). In the first half of 2025, trade between the two nations stood at US$690 million (around RM3.02 billion), comprising US$500 million in Malaysian exports and US$190 million in imports from Brunei.
