KUALA LUMPUR: In a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah following the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between the two countries in Bandar Seri Begawan, the two leaders said cross-border security issues needed to be addressed through closer cooperation between the relevant agencies of both sides.
Following that Malaysia and Brunei have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing cross-border security issues, including the smuggling of contraband and other illegal activities, as well as search and rescue (SAR) and emergency response.
“In this regard, the Working Committee on Security Matters Related to the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary was urged to finalise the draft Guidelines on the Sharing of Information and Designation of Contact Points, which would enhance communication and coordination between both countries.”
On cross-border SAR and emergency response, both leaders said the focus would be on enhancing coordination, exploring areas of collaboration and strengthening mutual understanding of cross-border arrangements, while building on existing cooperation in disaster management.
As reported by NST, both leaders also acknowledged the importance of closer coordination in addressing cross-border disaster management and emergency response.
In this regard, they welcomed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management on Saturday.
Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also acknowledged the continued discussions on maritime-related matters.
Regarding this matter, the leaders recalled the agreement at last year’s annual leaders’ consultation to establish a joint ad hoc committee on maritime-related matters and encouraged both sides to finalise the Terms of Reference for the effective implementation of maritime issues under the 2009 Exchange of Letters (EOL).
