Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof co-chaired the second meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JSBC-2) between the two countries.(Photo: baoquocte.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – The official visit to Brunei of Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son achieved many important results, opening up new cooperation opportunities in the relationship between the two countries, according to Deputy Director of Southeast Asia – South Asia- South Pacific Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Hung Tam.
During the September 6-8 trip to Brunei, the Vietnamese FM and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof co-chaired the second meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JSBC-2) between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to accelerate the building of an action programme to implement the comprehensive partnership for the 2023-2027 period, adding that this is the first plan developed between the two countries, creating a detailed cooperation framework.
The two countries pledged to increase the exchange of high-level delegations after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tam said.
He said that specific orientations for key areas of cooperation were also set forth. The two sides will encourage their businesses to step up connectivity, diversify the supply and trade structure and seek investment opportunities. These opportunities exist especially in potential areas like agriculture-fishery, forestry, energy-oil-gas and processing industry, contributing to ensuring food security and production chain.
They also consented to step up cooperation in education and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. Within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), they would also work to diversify tourism activities, encourage carriers to consider opening more direct air routes, and promote cooperation between universities.
Exchanging viewpoints on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two ministers appreciated the effective coordination between the two countries over the past time at regional and international forums. This is especially the case in ASEAN and the United Nations, helping to strengthen the solidarity and central role of ASEAN, as well as maintaining peace and stability, and promoting cooperation in the region and the world.
The two foreign ministers later signed the minutes of the meeting and agreed to hold the 3rd meeting in Vietnam at an appropriate time.
At a meeting with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Son suggested the Sultan pay more attention to the Vietnam-Brunei comprehensive partnership. He also suggested soon resume all-level visits and promote balanced trade towards reducing the country’s trade deficit.
He called on Brunei to facilitate the entry of Vietnamese goods, especially rice, agricultural and aquatic products that meet Halal standards, into the Brunei market.
The minister proposed the Sultan encourage businesses of the two countries to expand investments, enhance connectivity, launch direct air routes to facilitate economic, cultural and tourism ties, and people-to-people exchange.
While highlighting cooperation results between Vietnam and Brunei at regional and international forums over the past time, the FM said he wishes that the two sides will continue their close coordination at multilateral frameworks and ASEAN to elevate the position of each country and contribute to consolidating the bloc’s solidarity and centrality.
For his part, the Sultan of Brunei spoke highly of Son’s visit. He supported the resumption of high-level delegation exchanges soon and looked forward to visiting Vietnam again at an appropriate time. He also welcomed the results of JCBC-2 and agreed with Son’s proposals.
The Sultan pledged to instruct Brunei's ministries and agencies to coordinate with the Vietnamese side to implement the results of JCBC-2, while enhancing the comprehensive partnership in an effective and practical manner, bringing practical benefits to people of the two countries.
This was Son's first official visit to Brunei as Foreign Minister since the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive partnership in 2019. It took place at a time when the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
During the visit, the Vietnamese FM attended the opening of the Vietnam-Brunei Trade, Culture, Food, and Art Fair which featured a B2B business matching event aiming to enhance collaborative opportunities between businesses from both nations.
The event also included cultural performances of artists from both Vietnam and Brunei, highlighting each country’s cultural identities through traditional folk dances./
