Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, left Brunei today after holding constructive talks on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Dar Al-Salam at Istana Nurul Iman Palace. The visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei Dar Al-Salam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A joint statement issued at the end of the visit said that the talks focused on broadening cooperation in all fields, especially in trade and investment, including exploring joint investment opportunities between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to activate the general agreement signed between the two countries in economic areas, investment, education, culture, youth and sports. They also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the political, military and security fields, besides Islamic affairs. The two leaders noted that the meeting of the Saudi-Bruneian Joint Committee later this year serves the two countries' interests and promotes cooperation between the private sectors. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah praised the efforts exerted by King Salman and the Kingdom in serving the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims and Umrah performers and visitors. He lauded the services accorded to Brunei's pilgrims. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the latest developments in the Middle East. They stressed the importance of reaching a lasting, comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue as per the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant international resolutions. The two leaders also stressed the importance of finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on Geneva 1 and the UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They also emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian and relief assistance to displaced Syrian people. They further stressed the importance of preserving the unity of Yemen and achieving its security and stability. They confirmed the importance of a political solution to the crisis in Yemen based on the GCC Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference, and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216. They emphasized their support for the legitimate authority in Yemen and the need for all regions in the country to have access to the humanitarian aid. King Salman and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah agreed to coordinate their stances in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries and peoples and the Islamic nation. They also emphasized the need to reject extremism and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its source.s The Sultan expressed his sincere appreciation to King Salman for the historic visit and decorated him with the Royal Family Order for Brunei's Throne, which is the highest order in Brunei. King Salman expressed his thanks to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. The talks between two sides were attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, Minister of State and Cabinet' member Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel bin Zaid Altoraifi, Minister of Education Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issa, Minister of Transport Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani, Saudi Ambassador to Brunei Hisham bin Abdulwahab Zaraa, and Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and a number of Brunei ministers and senior officials. A luncheon was also hosted by the Brunei Sultan in honor of King Salman. Earlier on arrival at the Brunei International Airport, King Salman was received by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, besides Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and a number of ministers and senior officials. Later at Istana Nurul Iman Palace, King Salman was welcomed at a grand ceremony with a 21-gun salute. The national anthems of the two countries were played and the King reviewed a guard of honor. Saudi Arabia and Brunei have enjoyed close relations ever since ties were established in 1992 when the Kingdom appointed a non-resident representative through the Saudi Embassy in the Philippines. Diplomatic work at that time was mainly focused on Haj and Umrah visas, in addition to facilitating visas for Bruneian officials in conferences or meetings in the Kingdom. In 1995, the Kingdom opened an embassy in Brunei at the level of chargé d'Affaires. In 2001, Saudi Arabia appointed in first ambassador and in July of the same year a draft joint agreement was signed between the two countries. The covered various economic areas such as tourism, and joint investments in petroleum, metals, petrochemicals, agriculture, livestock and health, culture, youth and sports. The agreement was ratified by the two governments in 2007.
