His Majesty later attended a Bilateral Meeting with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, in which His Majesty in a titah emphasises that Brunei Darussalam and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste continue to cooperate closely in education and people-to people exchanges. During the State Visit of President Dr. José Ramos-Horta to Brunei Darussalam, both sides have also agreed, among other things, to further strengthen cooperation in education, labour and health, which is essential for the two countries' continued development, peace and security.

As oil-producing countries, Brunei and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste remain vulnerable to global uncertainties and major power competition. In this regard, His Majesty highlights the need for both countries to continue working together to safeguard common interests and therefore welcomes the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste's interest in strengthening energy cooperation to build its national capacities.

His Majesty also expresses pleasure with the two countries' joint commitment to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, especially through the M-o-U on the Employment/Recruitment of Timor-Leste Workers to Brunei Darussalam that was signed during the State Visit of President Dr. José Ramos-Horta to Brunei Darussalam and the Visa Waiver Arrangement signed during this visit. This will pave the way for solid and enduring cooperation between the two countries for years to come.

On regional issues, His Majesty reiterates that Brunei Darussalam has always welcomed the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family and noted the positive developments towards its full membership. To this end, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to continue working closely with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in implementing the Roadmap for Timor-Leste's Membership in ASEAN and its Annexes, including the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme.

On Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam will also continue to support ASEAN's efforts to find lasting solutions based on the Five-Point Consensus, which is Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.

Meanwhile on developments in the South China Sea, His Majesty states that the South China Sea must remain peaceful, particularly as a third of global maritime trade passes through these waterways.

His Majesty in a titah says Brunei Darussalam is engaging closely with other ASEAN Member States and China to ensure peace and stability in the region. His Majesty in ending the titah also stated that fundamentally, all parties must abide by international law, especially UNCLOS, as the overarching international agreement that governs the world's oceans and seas.

Source:
RTB NEWS

by RTB NEWS

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