President Prabowo, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Committed to Strengthen Relations in Strategic Areas

President Prabowo Subianto receives a warm welcome from Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah during his state visit to Brunei Darussalam, at the Nurul Iman Palace, Bandar Seri Begawan, on Wednesday (05/14). (Photo By: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto received a warm welcome offered by Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah during his state visit to Brunei Darussalam, at the Nurul Iman Palace, Bandar Seri Begawan, on Wednesday (05/14). This visit symbolized Indonesia and Brunei’s long-standing diplomatic relations as two nations from the same roots that have been established over the past four decades.

In his remarks, President Prabowo expressed his highest gratitude for the warm welcome offered by the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam. The Head of State also highlighted the significance of the visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in addressing regional and global challenges.

“We not only consider ourselves as a family, we are indeed a family. Therefore, as the President of the Republic of Indonesia who holds a mandate, I am committed to preserve the strong relations and make it even stronger,” he said.

President Prabowo also has personal relations with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as they have known each other since their youth.

“We have known each other for decades, maybe around 60 years and I am very proud that this relationship has never been broken,” he said.

In the meantime, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his delight at welcoming an old friend, President Prabowo, to his country. He added that sustainable cooperation between the two countries in various strategic sectors is important to face global geopolitical and food security challenges.

“It is crucial for both countries to join hands in ensuring prosperity of the people as well as food stability and security,” he said adding that Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam are true friends who share a deep sense of solidarity.

On the occasion, both leaders also affirmed their commitment to contribute to regional stability and advancement by playing active roles in ASEAN. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his readiness to further cooperate with Indonesia and other ASEAN countries in order to manifest the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

For the record, this state visit marked a new chapter in the effort to strengthen strategic relations between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam in economic, socio-cultural, and religious aspects. Both countries have shown that a strong friendship built on shared value, history, and belief is a formidable foundation to face future challenges. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/MMB)