Vietnam, Brunei agree to foster close ties at multilateral forums

Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (R) and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Lim Jock Seng

The consensus was reached at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh, and the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Lim Jock Seng, on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 in the central coastal city of Da Nang, on November 9.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the active developments in their bilateral relations over the past few years, whilst speaking highly of the outcomes of the second meeting of the Vietnam-Brunei Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in Hanoi in February 2017, whilst agreeing to co-chair the third meeting in Brunei next year.

They pledged to foster closer coordination aimed at developing the fields of cooperation in an extensive fashion, particularly in the fields of politics, security, defence, education and sea-related issues.

Deputy PM Minh suggested that both sides maintain the current cooperation mechanisms and research the signing of new cooperation deals across the other potential spheres, such as tourism, labour, aviation and agro-fisheries.

Minister Lim Jock Seng urged the two sides to promptly negotiate a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation, research the opening of a direct air route connecting Brunei with Hanoi, and facilitate cooperation in halal food.

Brunei will respond actively to Deputy PM Minh’s proposal concerning the continuous coordination between the two countries in dealing with the issues of fishermen and boats, whilst pledging to ensure the legitimate rights for Vietnamese citizens who are living and working in Brunei, he stated.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The Bruneian minister spoke highly of Vietnam’s initiatives and efforts in organising the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 and pledged to support Vietnam to effectively fulfill its role as the APEC host country, aiming to ensure the success of APEC 2017, as well as enhance the position of APEC, for peace, prosperity and cooperation in the region and the world.