Today, at the Central Party Headquarters, General Secretary To Lam welcomed Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam on his seventh visit to Vietnam. The General Secretary expressed confidence that this visit would further promote the Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership, making it more substantive and effective, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

General Secretary To Lam lauded Brunei's achievements in national development, particularly its strong economic growth, guaranteed social welfare, and a very high human development index globally.

General Secretary To Lam and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam at the Central Party Headquarters on 30/11. *Photo: Giang Huy*

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive development of the Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership. Bilateral trade turnover increased by 165% in 2024 compared to 2023, achieving the USD 500 million target for 2025 ahead of schedule. Cooperation in defense - security, fisheries, oil and gas, and education also yielded positive results.

Both sides agreed to strengthen political trust, promote and facilitate trade and investment activities, enhance connectivity, and support businesses in exchanging information and finding partners. They also committed to effectively harnessing cooperation potential in agriculture, fisheries, Halal, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The General Secretary proposed fostering maritime cooperation, including combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and addressing climate change.

The Sultan of Brunei emphasized Vietnam as an important trade partner, expressing a desire to boost cooperation in agriculture, food, and Halal. He also encouraged Vietnamese businesses to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector and enhance people-to-people exchanges through scholarships and training programs.

Both sides committed to continued coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums, particularly ASEAN and the United Nations. They also pledged to strengthen ASEAN solidarity, unity, and centrality in the region, and promote cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam arrived in Hanoi this afternoon, commencing a state visit from 30/11 to 2/12 at the invitation of President Luong Cuong. Welcoming the Sultan at the airport were Le Khanh Hai, Head of the Presidential Office; Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Foreign Minister; along with other Vietnamese and Bruneian officials.

Vietnam and Brunei established diplomatic relations on 29/2/1992, upgrading to a Comprehensive Partnership in 3/2019. Brunei currently ranks 28th among countries investing in Vietnam, with 153 active projects.

*By Nguyen Tien*