Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attend the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation on August 22. (Pejabat Perdana Menteri)
Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, border security, energy, connectivity and economic development during the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation on August 22.
The consultation reviewed progress since the previous meeting and identified areas for further cooperation, where both leaders reaffirmed the 2009 Exchange of Letters (EOL) as a cornerstone of bilateral strategic cooperation and welcomed progress in the joint demarcation and survey of their land boundary.
Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the resolution of a stretch on their shared land border, also called Sector F-G as a priority, reaffirming that its resolution would be based on the watershed principle and setting a target to complete its survey and demarcation by May 31, 2027. They also called for closer cooperation against smuggling and other cross-border crimes, including improved information-sharing and coordination between relevant agencies.
Security cooperation will also expand through joint search and rescue, emergency response and disaster management arrangements. The two countries renewed their cooperation in disaster management while continuing discussions on maritime-related issues.
Both sides reaffirmed their long-standing military ties, including exchanges and training between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Malaysian Armed Forces, as well as cooperation under the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon. They also committed to strengthening engagement through ASEAN-led defence mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.
The leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, including maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.
While in economic cooperation, Brunei and Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, are advancing collaboration in oil and gas, power and energy transition, including the proposed Brunei-Sarawak power interconnection under the ASEAN Power Grid. Both sides also highlighted transport corridors, tourism, agriculture, logistics and digital services, while exploring a single checkpoint to facilitate cross-border movement.
The consultation strengthens Brunei-Malaysia cooperation as a practical component of ASEAN’s broader regional security and connectivity architecture. Closer border management, defence coordination, disaster response and cross-border infrastructure can improve resilience in Borneo while reducing vulnerabilities to transnational crime and disruptions. By reinforcing bilateral mechanisms alongside ASEAN-led platforms such as the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, the partnership can complement ASEAN’s emphasis on coordinated security responses and regional integration.
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