Abdullah To Visit Bandar Seri Begawan

Kuala Lumpur - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will undertake a two-day working visit to Bandar Seri Begawan, beginning March 15, for the signing of the Exchange of Letters to formalise a solution to the Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam boundary issues.

He will have a four-eyed meeting with Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to discuss issues of common interest between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors.

A foreign ministry statement said Abdullah would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Rastam Isa and senior government officials.

It said the idea to commence bilateral negotiations to resolve the Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam boundary issues was first raised in 1994, followed by another, three years later.

However, both sides were unable to arrive at a mutually-accepted solution.

"After that, both countries resumed negotiations from May 2003 until last August," said the statement.

Through these series of negotiations, both countries finally agreed to a package solution that includes maritime boundaries between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources and the demarcation of land boundaries between the two countries.

The solution to those issues ensures certainty with regard to sovereign rights and jurisdiction on the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone of both countries.

At the same time, the overlapping maritime claims between the two countries are also resolved. Furthermore, the solution enables both countries to embark on new developments and impose enforcement of rules and regulations in their respective maritime zones without any conflict.

The solution that has been accomplished resonates with the spirit of friendship between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, as well as the aspiration of both countries to focus all efforts towards enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including economy, to reap mutual benefits.

Following the visit to Brunei Darussalam, Abdullah will visit Jakarta, Indonesia on March 17 for the Annual Consultations with Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Both leaders are expected to discuss and exchange views on key issues of common interests and concerns.

The Annual Consultation provides a platform at the highest level to forge and enhance mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation between the two countries and manifests close personal bonds between the leaders of both countries.

Source: Bernama.com (March 13^th, 2009)
Photo: mfa.gov.bn

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