BRUNEI Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia acknowledged the current regional security landscape that remains complex and dynamic and sought ways to enhance collective practical cooperation between the two countries.

Both agreed to deepen practical cooperation by seeking practical measures that reduce vulnerability to miscalculations, and avoid misunderstanding and undesirable incidents at sea as highlighted by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the 22nd Asean Summit in Brunei Darussalam in 2013.

These were highlighted in a joint statement on defence cooperation between the two countries as His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday concluded his five-day official visit to Indonesia.

Brunei and Indonesia noted with satisfaction the existing close bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries, and reaffirmed their desire to further enhance this cooperation in areas of interests such as defence science and technology, exchange of information, education, logistics, and joint exercises.

Both welcomed the launch of a Joint Defence Cooperation Committee to foster strategic dialogue and cooperation, and welcomed the progress made in that regard to hold the inaugural meeting in the Sultanate.

The two countries also welcomed the signing of the Joint Understanding BRUNESIA-High Level Committee (HLC) and its inaugural meeting in Indonesia in 2013.

Besides encouraging defence officials to further participate in training and courses offered by each other’s institutions to further deepen close relations, Brunei and Indonesia agreed to promote continuous participation in defence conferences and exhibitions in each other’s countries.

On the occasion of the landmark visit of HRH the Crown Prince to Indonesia, on the invitation of Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Indonesia’s Minister of Defence, both sides noted the significance of the visit in further enhancing and consolidating the friendship and warm relations between the two countries.

Brunei and Indonesia noted also with satisfaction the various exchange of visits taking place at all levels, which has contributed to the strengthening of friendship and increased understanding between the two countries and peoples.

Besides underlining the commitment of both sides in further deepening defence cooperation in the effort to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, both sides recalled the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation between Brunei and Indonesia, signed in Jakarta on April 10, 2003.

The MoU expressed the willingness of both countries to promote defence cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and full respect of sovereignty.

Both countries also referred to their commitments to the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Earlier at Bandar Udara (Airport) Halim Perdanakusuma, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, and Their Royal Highnesses’ children, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Muntaqim and HRH Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, were bade farewell by Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Defence; Nurul Qamar, Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei; representatives from the Office of the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia and Special Forces with their spouses; the Commander of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base; and Military Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy to Brunei.

Also present was Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei to Indonesia, and his spouse. Before departing the hotel, a Doa Selamat was read by Begawan Pehin Khatib Haji Awang Metassan bin Haji Tahir. - Borneo Bulletin (8 May 2014)