JOINT STATEMENT ON THE

26TH ANNUAL LEADERS’ CONSULTATION

BETWEEN

HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH

SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

AND

THE HONOURABLE DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM,

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA

27 AUGUST 2025

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam undertook a State Visit to Malaysia on 25 to 27 August 2025. The visit further strengthened the deep-rooted, long-standing relations and enhanced the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, grounded in shared history, culture and close people-to-people ties.

2. During the visit, the 26th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) was held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on 27 August 2025 between The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

3. The consultation was held in a warm and friendly manner, signifying the enduring and special ties that bond the two countries together. Appreciating the continued efforts made since the 25th ALC held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, both Leaders were determined to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, explore new avenues for collaboration, strengthen strategic cooperation and address shared challenges for the benefit of the people of both countries.

4. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the sustained commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, particularly through active and constructive engagement within the ASEAN framework. They emphasised the importance of ongoing support and continuous engagement, as demonstrated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s attendance to the 46th ASEAN Summit, 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on 26 and 27 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s full support for Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, and reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to continue working closely with Malaysia to deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to the people of ASEAN.

5. The Leaders underlined the importance of further strengthening the close brotherly ties and friendship between the people of both countries through multi-faceted initiatives such as student exchanges, internship programmes, cooperation in culture, literature and religious affairs, as well as in the promotion of history and the Malay language, thereby fostering greater mutual understanding and solidarity across generations.

6. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the implementation of the Exchange of Letters (2009 EOL) signed in 2009, which remains a key agreement in advancing the strategic collaboration between the two countries.

7. In this regard, both Leaders noted the convening of the 26th Meeting between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam on the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters, held on 23 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and underscored the importance of building on momentum, mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation to further enhance the bilateral relations of both countries. Both Leaders took note of the issues raised on Sector F-G, which has yet to show any significant advancement. Therefore, both Leaders provided guidance to the Joint Land Boundary Committee to expedite the resolution process by giving consideration to a constructive approach for matters related to the Exchange of Notes (2024 EON) signed in August 2024.

8. On the demarcation and survey of the land boundary, both Leaders unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to the 2009 EOL, Memorandum of Understanding on the Process for the Joint Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary signed in March 2012 and its annexed Terms of Reference. These binding instruments clearly stipulate that any undelimited or undemarcated land boundary between the two countries will be resolved on the basis of the existing five (5) Land Boundary Agreements, and that in areas where no such agreements exist as yet, both countries shall negotiate solely on the basis of the watershed principle. 

9. The Leaders recalled the 2024 EON on making joint progress in Sector F-G, signed at the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation on 26 August 2024 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, and noted the outcomes of the Special Joint Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary Committee on Sector F-G held on 8 May 2025 and the discussion during the 4th Meeting of the Joint Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary Committee held on 14 July 2025 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. In this regard, the Leaders underscored that the resolution of Sector F-G must be solely based on the watershed principle, and reiterated both countries’ commitment to jointly determine a single watershed in Sector F-G, and complete its demarcation and survey by 31 May 2027, in accordance with the 2024 EON.

10. The Leaders expressed their satisfaction with the commitment and hard work of the Joint Technical Committee on the Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, particularly the significant progress achieved in the joint survey and demarcation works since 2012, noting that a total distance of 214.638 kilometres, equivalent to 41 percent of the land boundary, has been demarcated and surveyed. Recognising the need to maintain momentum, and with joint demarcation and survey works scheduled for completion in Sector E-F by 2025, Sector A-B by 2026 and Sector F-G by 2027 as outlined in the 2024 EON, both Leaders agreed in principle that consideration could be given to a Memorandum of Understanding on Phase Two of the Joint Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary, aimed at achieving 66 percent of the total land boundary by 2028.

11. The Leaders acknowledged the continued discussions on maritime related issues including maritime access, as well as co-operation in the maritime and fishing sectors. In this regard, the Leaders also welcomed the agreement for the establishment of a joint ad-hoc committee on maritime-related matters.

12. Both Leaders acknowledged the close cooperation in the energy sector between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, and recognised the potential for increased collaboration through future joint ventures that would bring mutual benefits to both countries.

13. In this regard, the Leaders expressed satisfaction on the close collaboration between PETRONAS and the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam, through the Commercial Arrangement Areas (CAA) and encouraged both sides to advance joint projects and realise their full potential within a mutually agreed timeline.

14. Both Leaders reaffirmed the importance of deepening economic collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and the states of Sabah and Sarawak as a driver for shared prosperity and regional integration. The Leaders are committed to advancing strategic initiatives in energy, connectivity, agriculture, tourism and the Halal industry, leveraging Borneo’s shared resources and geographic advantage to strengthen food and energy security, build resilient supply chains and create sustainable opportunities for the peoples.

15. The Leaders acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and the State of Sarawak with a view to broaden the scope of energy cooperation. In this regard, they welcomed the progress made in realising the cross-border power interconnection project between Lumut, Kuala Belait and Tudan, which aims to ensure a reliable supply of energy and open opportunities for a bilateral power trade between ASEAN Member States. Both Leaders also noted Sarawak’s growing role in regional energy cooperation and recognised that such efforts will contribute to strengthening energy security in the region.

16. Both Leaders recognised the roles of the private sector in enhancing economic collaboration and welcomed the development of stronger business and commercial ties through the establishment of the Brunei Darussalam-Sabah Joint Business Council and Brunei Darussalam-Sarawak Joint Business Council. In this regard, they noted the convening of the inaugural Brunei Darussalam-Sabah Joint Business Council on 8 October 2024 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

17. The Leaders noted with satisfaction the establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 3 October 2024, and welcomed the “Citarasa dan Tautan Budaya Sarawak-Brunei” event on 2 to 3 August 2025 towards forging closer economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

18. The Leaders looked forward to deepening economic linkages through commercial paddy cultivation and livestock integration, leveraging on the states of Sarawak and Sabah’s agricultural resources and Brunei Darussalam’s Halal branding. This collaboration will contribute to enhancing food security, improving supply chain resilience and expanding market access.

19. The Leaders acknowledged the cooperation between Unified National Network (Brunei Darussalam) and Sacofa (Sarawak) to enter a new 7-year agreement in 2026, on the bandwidth leasing model in the telecommunication sector through a business-to-business arrangement.

20. The Leaders underlined the importance of connectivity between Brunei Darussalam and the states of Sabah and Sarawak, as the foundation for closer economic integration and people-to-people exchanges. They welcomed efforts by the Government of Brunei Darussalam and Royal Brunei (RB) in enhancing air connectivity to the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Both Leaders welcomed the Memorandum of Cooperation between RB and the Sabah Tourism Board signed on 30 June 2025 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, aimed at boosting the tourism sectors as well as expanding connectivity to key regions, including BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, the Middle East, Oceania, the United Kingdom and India by 2028. 

21. The Leaders also welcomed the improved connectivity through the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge, which enhances land access and facilitates cross-border trade and movement. They also looked forward to the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway to further strengthen regional connectivity and create greater opportunities for tourism and broader economic collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

22. The Leaders noted the ongoing negotiations on a draft Memorandum of Understanding between Brunei Darussalam and the State of Sabah to enable Sabahan students to pursue higher education in Brunei Darussalam. They welcomed this initiative towards developing closer educational collaboration and looked forward to its early conclusion.

23. The Leaders acknowledged discussions on potential investments under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), signed on 25 January 2023 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Both parties remain committed to strengthening mutually beneficial investment ties, including to support and facilitate ongoing and future two-way investment initiatives through direct engagements and project-based cooperation.

24. The Leaders commended the progress made under the Treaty on the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, signed on 3 August 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They acknowledged the successful first transfer of a Bruneian national on 25 February 2025 and the transfer of six Malaysian nationals on 6 August 2025, to serve the remainder of their sentences in the countries of origin, which reflects the excellent coordination and shared commitment to the effective implementation of the Treaty.

25. The Leaders welcomed the convening of the 3rd Bilateral Meeting between the Department of Immigration and National Registration, Brunei Darussalam and the Department of Immigration, Malaysia on 18 February 2025 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting reiterated their shared commitment to effective and secure border management, in addressing key immigration matters, operational coordination, and facilitating safe, orderly, and efficient border movement. The meeting also noted Brunei Darussalam’s position to maintain the current border operating hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

26. The Leaders welcomed the Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Programme (BMFTP) in streamlining cross-border travel for frequent travellers by reducing passport stamp usage and immigration endorsements. They expressed optimism that the BMFTP will continue to facilitate smoother mobility, alleviate congestion at border checkpoints, and enhance the overall efficiency of cross-border movement.

27. Both Leaders highlighted the importance of exchanging knowledge and expertise in agriculture towards ensuring food security. Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for the training provided by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) for the technical officers of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood of Brunei Darussalam (DOAA), which has helped facilitate the enhancement of Brunei Darussalam’s agricultural sector. Both Leaders looked forward to continued agricultural cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

28. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the close defence cooperation, which continues to be strengthened through regular exchanges of visits, training courses and military exercises. The Leaders also commended the contributions of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) in contributing towards the maintenance of international peace and stability under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

29. The Leaders expressed their appreciation for the continued participation by high-level defence officials in key platforms, including the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25), in Langkawi from 20 to 24 May 2025, as well as other defence-related programmes.

30. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation under the various ASEAN-led security and defence mechanisms, including the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges and threats.

31. The Leaders looked forward to the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Higher, Technical and Vocational Education. Both Leaders also commended the ongoing collaboration between educational institutions in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, including the scholarship offers in higher education, students and academic staff exchange and mobility programmes, as well as efforts in exploring further cooperation in technical and vocational training.

32. Both Leaders encouraged the relevant agencies in Brunei Darussalam to explore placements for Bruneian students in Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia, aimed at enhancing skill development, employability and career opportunities. 

33. The Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation during the 26th ALC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They underscored their shared commitment to strengthening health collaboration in the areas of pharmaceuticals, health security, medical treatment, non-communicable diseases and digital health.

34. The Leaders acknowledged the establishment of a Joint Committee under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Transport signed on 26 August 2024 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Both Leaders looked forward to the inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee scheduled to be held in the fourth quarter of 2025.

35. Both Leaders commended the strengthening of youth and sports cooperation, highlighted by Brunei Darussalam’s participation in the 4th ASEAN Youth Dialogue and the 4th ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with ASEAN Youth in May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, which focused on youth leadership, inclusion, and sustainable development. They also expressed pleasure at Brunei Darussalam’s long-standing participation in the SUKMA Games since 2000, noting its best-ever performance at SUKMA XXI in Sarawak in 2024. The Leaders looked forward to Brunei Darussalam’s participation in the upcoming Borneo Games 2025 to be held in Kuching, Sarawak on 24 – 28 September 2025, and reaffirmed the role of sports in enhancing friendship and development opportunities for the youths of the two countries.

36. The Leaders noted the significant progress made during the 4th Bilateral Meeting between the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) of Brunei Darussalam and the National Disaster Management Agency of Malaysia (NADMA) held from 18 to 21 August 2025 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Both Leaders welcomed the discussions on the establishment of the Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG) under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management as a significant step to further strengthen and streamline bilateral cooperation. Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s support through the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) in conducting a scoping mission from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Leaders jointly acknowledged the findings of the mission as a viable input to support Brunei Darussalam’s preparation towards obtaining the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) External Classification (IEC).

37. The Leaders acknowledged the establishment of a Joint Committee under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Areas of Syariah Judiciary, which includes sharing of the Syariah court's grounds of judgment, activities and programmes, exchange of publications, reports and academic materials and joint research in the field of jurisprudence and Sharia Law. 

38. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ASEAN Centrality and unity in upholding regional peace, stability, and development amidst regional and international uncertainties. The Leaders also reaffirmed their Governments’ steadfast commitment to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025.

39. The Leaders discussed the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing violence and humanitarian situation in the country. Both Leaders reiterated the unified position that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) remains ASEAN’s main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further called for the full and effective implementation of the 5PC by all parties. Both Leaders supported an immediate, nationwide and permanent ceasefire as a necessary step towards creating a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. Both Leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to work closely within ASEAN and other external partners, to encourage progress in the implementation of the 5PC, towards a peaceful and durable solution, that is Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.

40. In this regard, Brunei Darussalam welcomed the continuous efforts of the ASEAN Chair, including the proposed visit by the Foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to Myanmar on 19 September 2025.

41. Both Leaders expressed their deep appreciation for the positive steps taken by the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand to reach a ceasefire agreement in response to recent tensions along their shared border. Their decision to de-escalate hostilities and pursue diplomatic solutions reflects the enduring values of mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful resolution of disputes that underpin ASEAN unity. The Leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for all regional efforts that promote peace, stability, and cooperation. In the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and good neighbourliness, both Leaders called upon all parties to continue to uphold the ceasefire, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution.

42. Both Leaders reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to continue working closely to maintain peace, security, stability, and safety in the region, and ensure freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

43. In this regard, Brunei Darussalam expressed support for Malaysia’s role as the Country Coordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in facilitating the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group’s work to achieve the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

44. Both Leaders emphasised that the Palestinian issue remains at the core of the conflict in the Middle East and expressed their grave concern over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, caused by the continued acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by Israel, the Occupying Power. They condemned in the strongest possible terms the indiscriminate violence and complete blockade of humanitarian access and delivery of aid to the Palestinian people, which have resulted in mass casualties, widespread forced displacement, systematic starvation and critical shortages of life-saving supplies.

45. Both Leaders expressed strong condemnation and rejection towards the statements made by the Occupying Power, including the unlawful decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, as well as its illegal expansionist vision of the so-called “Greater Israel”, which is a continued and grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions. It further demonstrates a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of humanity and the rules-based international order.

46. The Leaders urged the international community to act decisively to end the cycle of impunity, including by ensuring respect for international law, its responsibility in protecting the rights of the Palestinians is upheld, and ensure immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access. They reiterated the urgent call for a permanent ceasefire and to address the root causes with a view to ending the decades-long occupation and aggression by the Occupying Power.

47. Both Leaders reaffirmed their steadfast support and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for peace, freedom, and the inalienable rights to self-determination. They underscored that a just and durable solution to the conflict must be pursued through peaceful means, grounded in international law, international humanitarian law, and relevant UN resolutions. Both Leaders welcomed the increased global support to recognise the State of Palestine, without preconditions. This is a positive step towards realising a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital under the two-State solution. Both Leaders also urged all countries that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to do so.

48. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also extended his warmest congratulations to the Prime Minister of Malaysia as well as best wishes to the Government and all Malaysians, on the occasion of Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day on 31 August 2025. 

49. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussion and expressed commitment to advancing bilateral relations and cooperation. The Leaders also emphasised the importance of the continued implementation of the Exchange of Letters.

50. The Leaders agreed to hold the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Brunei Darussalam in 2026.

 

PUTRAJAYA

27 AUGUST 2025