During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brunei, the two countries committed to develop and cement bilateral ties in military, space, and people-to-people relations.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the operation of Telemetry, Tracking, and Telecommand Stations for Satellites and Launch Vehicles, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah met today for productive discussions and to assess bilateral ties. They also applauded the establishment of a direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai.
“External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications H.E. Pengiran Dato Shamhary Pengiran Dato Mustapha signed and exchanged an MoU on Cooperation in the Operation of Telemetry, Tracking, and Telecommand Stations for Satellite and Launch Vehicles.” They applauded the forthcoming start of direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai. According to a news statement from the MEA, a Joint Statement was adopted following the talks.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station, which has contributed to India’s ongoing space activities, according to the joint statement.
“Both leaders appreciated the long-standing arrangement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments and the conclusion of the renewed MOU welcoming further cooperation in the areas of mutual interest under the MOU,” according to the release.
The two leaders welcomed the upgrade of bilateral relations to Enhanced Partnership. The presidents had bilateral conversations on a variety of issues, including defence, commerce and investment, food security, education, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Modi and Brunei Sultan agreed on the urgent need to combat climate change and increase efforts to mitigate the negative consequences of this growing problem, in accordance with international climate goals such as the Paris Agreement.
They decided to look into and pursue partnership in fields such as ICT, finance, cyber security, new and emerging technologies, and renewable energy. The Prime Minister and His Majesty also discussed regional and global issues.
“Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called upon states to repudiate it,” according to the announcement.
They emphasised that no country should allow territory under its control to be exploited for terrorism; no country should house terrorists; and they resolved to work together to bring terrorist perpetrators to justice. Recognising the links between terrorism and transnational organised crime, both leaders decided to strengthen their collaboration in this area. Both sides pledged to collaborate in the fight against terrorism in the United Nations and other multilateral forums, it added.
PM Modi and Brunei Sultan underlined their resolve to collaborate closely in mutually advantageous sectors to deepen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. His Majesty also thanked India for supporting Brunei Darussalam’s efforts to host the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.
Reflecting on the excellent progress made in bilateral ties over the years, both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening, deepening, and enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, according to the joint statement.
Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on a variety of issues, including defence, connectivity, trade and investment, energy (including renewables), space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also hosted an Official Lunch in honour of Prime Minister Modi.
They also committed to strengthen bilateral commercial and economic connections in areas of shared interest. They emphasised the need for ongoing exchanges and dialogue, which should take place through essential platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and other relevant bilateral, regional, and international organisations.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi had a ceremonial welcome in Brunei. This is the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. The Prime Minister’s historic visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishing of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
