Putrajaya: Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various strategic areas during the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) held today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the areas of cooperation include trade, investment, energy, maritime affairs, education, agriculture, and food security.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia has expressed support for Royal Brunei Airlines’ decision to increase flights to Sabah and the opening of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Bandar Seri Begawan. These developments are anticipated to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations significantly. In a Facebook post, Minister Fahmi emphasized the importance of the special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, underpinned by friendship, strategic cooperation, and shared aspirations for regional stability and prosperity.

The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, concluded his three-day state visit to Malaysia today. His visit, which began on Monday, included discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the ALC at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya.

In 2024, Brunei was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner within ASEAN, with total trade valued at RM7.53 billion (USD1.77 billion). For the first half of 2025, Malaysia-Brunei trade amounted to USD690 million (RM3.02 billion), with exports comprising USD500 million (RM2.18 billion) and imports USD190 million (RM840 million).