Leaders of Malaysia and Brunei reaffirmed their commitment to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common interest at the 17th Annual Leaders' Consultation between the two countries in Bandar Seri Begawan on December 8.

According to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia on December 9, Malaysia 's Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Brunei 's King Hassanal Bolkiah recognised the importance of continuing cooperation in all sectors.

In the spirit of closer bilateral cooperation, they urged the relevant authorities of both countries to finalise documents related to the areas of information and communication technology, agriculture, fisheries and taxation.

They also expressed confidence in moving forward and reiterated their commitment to the pursuit of more cooperative opportunities in the future for the mutual benefit of both countries.

On the joint demarcation and survey of the land boundary between Malaysia and Brunei, both leaders called for the sustained commitment of the joint technical teams in expeditiously carrying out their activities, with due emphasis being given to the identified priority areas, to complete the works within the targeted time-frame.

On the business sector, PM Najib and King Hassanal Bolkiah encouraged officials from both sides to explore new economic opportunities on a commercial basis, as well as undertake further efforts to promote the participation of young entrepreneurs of both countries through joint venture projects, research, training and capacity building activities.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the excellent progress made in advancing bilateral cooperation in defence, through regular exchanges of visits, training courses and military exercises between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

They also urged the higher education institutions of both countries to strengthen cooperation and encouraged further efforts in research and development, leadership training, technical and vocational education and research.-VNA