On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for bilateral meetings on a wide range of issues, including trade relations, business ties and people-to-people exchanges.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and the entire royal family for your kind words, warm welcome and hospitality. On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I send my greetings to you and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Independence. We share a centuries-old Cultural connections.
“The foundation of our friendship is our great cultural heritage. Under your leadership, our relations have grown closer. The people of India still remember your visit to India as the Chief Guest on Republic Day 2018 with great pride.
The Prime Minister further said, “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Brunei Darussalam at the beginning of my third term and discuss the future with you. Coincidentally, this year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our bilateral partnership. Brunei Darussalam is a key player in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision An important partner is the guarantee of our bright future.
“India and Brunei have witnessed significant developments under the regime of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the two countries celebrate deep historical and cultural contacts,” he said, adding that direct flights between the two countries Flights will be available soon.
The talks held by the leaders of the two countries covered a series of topics such as national defense, trade and investment, food security, education, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to explore and seek cooperation in areas such as information and communications technology, financial technology, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and renewable energy.
The Prime Minister and Sultan also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called on all countries to condemn it. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work closely in mutually beneficial areas and further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to pay a bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam, was welcomed by Sultan Bolkiah and his close family members at the Sultan's official residence and the Nuru Iman Palace in Brunei's capital.
The two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of satellite and launch vehicle telemetry, tracking and remote control station operations between Foreign Minister Dr. Cooperation Agreement. Sudan also hosted a formal luncheon for Prime Minister Modi.
“It was a pleasure to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries. We will further expand trade relations, business ties and people-to-people exchanges.
It is a pleasure to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. We will further expand trade ties, business ties and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. pic.twitter.com/CGsi3oVAT7— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2024
Officials said that Prime Minister Modi's historic visit is an important milestone in the 40-year diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two countries have mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues and have a friendly relationship.
“Building stronger India-Brunei relations. Prime Minister @narendramodi was warmly welcomed by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and his close family at the Nuru Iman Palace.
Brunei is an important partner in India's “Act East” policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.
The two countries share history, culture and traditions spanning thousands of years, the Ministry of External Affairs said ahead of Modi's visit to the Southeast Asian country.
Earlier on Tuesday, Modi, the first Indian prime minister to travel to Brunei on a bilateral visit, said he looked forward to meeting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family “to take historic relations to a new level.” “Highly”. The Prime Minister said that he looks forward to establishing a strong relationship with Brunei, which is the first stop of his trip between the two countries, aiming to strengthen cooperation and exchanges in the fields of defence, trade and investment, energy and people-to-people exchanges.
As a special gesture, Modi was greeted at the airport by Crown Prince Mohtadi Birla. He visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque here and inaugurated the new office building of the Indian High Commission. In both places, he interacted with the Indian diaspora.
Modi will depart from Brunei for Singapore later on Wednesday.
