Embassy of the Russian Federation in Brunei Darussalam
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20 октября / 2023

Russian Ambassador on the Anniversary of Russia-Brunei Diplomatic Ties

Russia and Brunei: Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
     On October 1, 2023 the Russian Federation and Negara Brunei Darussalam celebrate the 32th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Since that time our ties have turned into a warm and cooperative partnership, driven by our shared positions on various global issues and commitment to bolstering interactions within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
     Our two nations have found common ground in foreign policy stances, aligning on some pressing international matters. The alignment of our positions on issues such as climate change, counterterrorism, and regional security has been instrumental in fostering friendly ties. This commonality of interests has enabled us to work collaboratively on global stages, voting in unison on matters of mutual concern.
     The strong personal rapport between the President of Russia and Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has also played a significant role in cementing the amicable relations between our countries, solidified diplomatic ties, fostered the trust and understanding between our leaders.
     Regular and positive interactions between our Foreign Ministries underscore the dedication to this friendship. Regular meetings on ministerial level (the last one took place in Jakarta, in June 2023) are a testament to the strong bonds we share. These contacts serve as platforms for discussing and advancing various areas of cooperation, from trade and investment to cultural exchanges.
     A paramount feature of our diplomatic engagement is the emphasis both countries place on strengthening cooperation within ASEAN. Russia, as a longstanding dialogue partner of the Association, actively seeks to bolster its diverse relationship with the organization that resonates positively with Brunei. Both our nations are eager to maintain and strengthen the central role that ASEAN plays in shaping regional affairs and maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia, support the concept of truly multilateral cooperation not allowing the diktat of a single state. We are convinced that our Brunei friends, who assume their duties as Russian-ASEAN dialogue partnership coordinator in 2024, will contribute significantly to our mutually beneficial interaction with the ASEAN family.
     Multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the sphere of security is also of utmost importance to both sides. Right now the delegation of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation participates in the first meeting of the Russia-Brunei Joint Working Group on defense cooperation. We also note with satisfaction our cooperation within the ADMM Plus: for now the Brunei Ministry of Defence is actively facilitating the development of military-medical cooperation within the ADMM Plus, that is fully supported by Russia. Brunei’s Ministry of Defense also contributes significantly to the work of annual Moscow Conference on International security, a forum for the assessment of global and regional security matters.
     Moreover, both countries attach great importance to developing humanitarian ties. Efforts have been made to promote a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, fostering people-to-people connections through initiatives like cultural exchange programs and educational partnerships. This year 4 Brunei students left for Russia to study under the program of the Russian Government scholarships.
     In conclusion, Russia and Brunei are committed to nurturing friendly and mutually beneficial relations across all sectors of interest. With a shared approach to many international issues, a focus on the ASEAN framework, and a keen interest in humanitarian connections, our two nations are poised to continue strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing common goals on the world stage.