Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Joint Statement on the occasion of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s state visit
WVR - Vietnam and Brunei have issued a Joint Statement on the occasion of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s state visit to Vietnam from November 30 to December 2. The World & Vietnam Newspaper is honoured to presents the English traslation of the Joint Statement of Vietnam - Brunei Darussalam.
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| President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah. (Source: VGP) |
1. At the invitation of Mr. Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, paid a State visit to Vietnam from November 30 to December 2, 2025.
2. During the visit, the Sultan attended the official welcoming ceremony, held talks with President Luong Cuong, met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, and had meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
3. The leaders of both countries acknowledged the socio-economic developments in both nations and expressed satisfaction with the substantial and positive progress in bilateral relations since upgrading to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2019. They emphasized the importance of the Action Program for implementing the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership for the 2023-2027 period and agreed to closely coordinate for its comprehensive and effective implementation.
4. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all areas, including politics, defense-security, trade-investment, energy, education, socio-cultural exchanges, and other areas of mutual interest, as well as cooperation in multilateral frameworks.
Political Cooperation
5. The leaders recognized the importance of maintaining exchanges and high-level contacts across all State, Government, National Assembly, people, and local channels to consolidate political trust and mutual understanding. They agreed to organize activities to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam in 2027. Both sides acknowledged the effectiveness of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries, as well as existing specialized dialogue and cooperation mechanisms.
Defense and Security Cooperation
6. The leaders noted the positive cooperation results between the Ministries of Defense and the Armed Forces of both countries in areas such as implementing the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding on Naval Cooperation; establishing and effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms between the defense forces of both countries, including the Joint Working Group on Defense Cooperation; enhancing professional capacity for officers and soldiers through training and joint courses; promoting cooperation in maritime security, defense industry, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, intelligence exchange; and seeking cooperation between the Vietnam Coast Guard and Brunei's maritime law enforcement agencies.
7. The leaders committed to continuing close coordination and mutual support at multilateral defense forums, especially within ASEAN frameworks such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the expanded ADMM (ADMM ), the ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Meeting (ACDFM), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
8. The leaders also agreed to promote maritime cooperation through dialogue and experience sharing, information exchange, and addressing maritime security challenges in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), to ensure maritime security and safety.
9. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of security cooperation through information sharing and experience in combating transnational organized crime such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, cybercrime, and money laundering. They expressed satisfaction with regional cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), the ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference (ASEANPOL), and the ASEAN Intelligence Community Conference (AICC). The leaders welcomed new progress in security cooperation within bilateral and ASEAN frameworks, including negotiations on agreements on combating transnational crime, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons. They also welcomed the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime in Hanoi and agreed to adjust internal procedures to ratify the Convention, contributing to its early entry into force.
Economic Cooperation
10. Trade: The leaders were pleased with the early achievement of the target of bilateral trade turnover reaching USD 500 million by 2025 and agreed to closely coordinate to double two-way trade by 2035 based on diversifying export-import products and aiming for a balanced trade balance.
11. The leaders agreed to promote trade promotion and encourage businesses and business associations of both countries to enhance exchanges, including strengthening links and cooperation in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. They also agreed to seek measures to facilitate bilateral trade, including improving customs procedures and utilizing FTAs to which both sides are members. Both sides expressed openness to continue discussions on rice trade cooperation, particularly facilitating importers' opportunities to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in food security. The leaders also encouraged the business communities of both countries to boost trade activities and freight transport through BIMP-EAGA and the Mekong sub-region.
12. Investment: Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating investment from Brunei Darussalam through the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), other organizations, and Brunei investors in developing International Financial Center projects. Brunei Darussalam welcomed and extended support to Vietnamese investors to expand their business activities in Brunei Darussalam, especially in areas aligned with the goals and priorities of the Wawasan 2035 national development vision.
13. Digital Economy: The leaders agreed to promote cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy, green transition, and circular economy through sharing successful practices, capacity building, encouraging cooperation between relevant agencies, organizations, and businesses, and establishing research cooperation mechanisms between institutes and universities.
14. Halal Cooperation: The leaders recognized the great potential for cooperation in the Halal industry, including promoting cooperation between the Halal certification bodies of both countries, aiming for mutual recognition of Halal certification. Vietnam encourages Brunei businesses to invest in building Halal industrial parks and developing food and Halal product manufacturing projects in Vietnam. Brunei Darussalam encourages Vietnamese businesses and localities to cooperate with Brunei partners in producing and processing food that meets Halal standards for the domestic markets of both countries and export to third countries. The leaders agreed that both sides will share experiences on Halal-related issues, including good practices and processes in Halal food production; and support capacity building for experts in this field through training programs and experience transfer.
15. Agriculture and Fisheries: The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and food security by encouraging businesses, universities, and research institutions to boost exchanges, research cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and food security. Brunei Darussalam committed to facilitating Vietnamese businesses to expand investment in agriculture, fisheries, and food security by strengthening cooperation with businesses and partners on a mutually beneficial basis, aiming to ensure the recovery of the regional food supply chain. Brunei Darussalam encourages investment from Vietnam in the fisheries sector through joint ventures with registered local businesses to promote a competitive, transparent, and sustainable fisheries industry.
16. The leaders agreed to enhance information exchange and cooperation to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Brunei Darussalam acknowledged and appreciated Vietnam's efforts in strengthening fisheries management and sustainable activities and looks forward to positive developments in Vietnam during its cooperation with the European Commission.
Energy Cooperation
17. The leaders welcomed the cooperation of energy companies from both sides on a commercial basis in the oil and gas sector, in accordance with international law and principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. They welcomed businesses from both sides, especially the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and Brunei Energy Services and Trading Company (BEST), to enhance participation and promote trade and service cooperation in oil and gas, in midstream and downstream projects; encouraged potential cooperation in various fields of the oil and gas industry and welcomed relevant agencies to continue exchanges. Brunei Darussalam encourages greater participation of Vietnamese businesses, including potential trade and investment opportunities.
18. Brunei Darussalam appreciated the positive contribution of the PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services Corporation (PV Drilling) in providing drilling services for Brunei Darussalam's oil and gas industry, particularly in the upstream sector. Both sides encouraged PV Drilling and partners in Brunei Darussalam to continue expanding cooperation in providing drilling and well services and affirmed their support in facilitating processes when necessary.
19. The leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation in expanding to the energy transition sector, through expert exchanges, training, and capacity building, strengthening business and investment cooperation, as well as mutually considering services and opportunities between the two countries.
People-to-People Exchanges
20. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation between educational institutions through student and teacher exchanges, joint research and training programs, cultural activities, and internships. They also welcomed Vietnamese language courses at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD) aimed at promoting mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people relations.
21. The leaders also agreed to promote connectivity through sports and cultural activities, regional and international tourism events, and promotional activities. They agreed on the potential to enhance air connectivity, contributing to the common goal of promoting substantive cooperation and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
22. The leaders agreed to promote cooperation through parliamentary channels and continue close coordination at multilateral inter-parliamentary forums, especially on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Both sides considered establishing the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Friendship Association and the Brunei Darussalam-Vietnam Friendship Association when conditions permit.
Regional and International Issues
23. The leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining multilateralism and a rules-based international order on principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and based on international law to maintain peace, security, and prosperity, as well as sustainable development. In this regard, they expressed satisfaction with the good cooperation and close consultation between the two countries at regional and international forums, especially within ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Brunei Darussalam expressed steadfast support for Vietnam in its role as APEC Chair in 2027. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordinating to support efforts to strengthen and reform global institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), to promote common interests and address global, regional, and sub-regional challenges of mutual concern.
24. The leaders agreed to promote cooperation to achieve beneficial outcomes from participating in free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
25. The leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing ASEAN's centrality and unity, committed to strengthening coordination to promote the ASEAN Community building process, effectively implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and strategic plans, expanding and deepening ASEAN cooperation and with partners, especially in areas of common interest such as trade, investment, digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, climate change response, connectivity, food security, water resources, and energy.
26. The leaders emphasized the important and complementary role of sub-regional development in the regional integration process and ASEAN Community building, especially in enhancing economic integration and narrowing development gaps. They committed to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development in the ASEAN Community through linking sub-regional growth with ASEAN's overall development and strengthening relations between ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation frameworks.
27. The leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework within which all ocean and sea activities must be carried out. They reaffirmed the maintenance of peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea and recognized the benefits of having the East Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity. The leaders emphasized the importance of self-restraint and demilitarization, and refraining from actions that could complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the East Sea. Both sides committed to supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, without threatening or using force, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
28. The leaders emphasized the importance of all relevant countries in promoting a peaceful, stable, and conducive environment, with the aim of building trust and enhancing mutual confidence in the region. In this regard, they reaffirmed the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and looked forward to the early conclusion of an effective, substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
29. During the visit, the following documents were signed: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Maritime Cooperation; MOU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam on the Use of Hotline for Information-Exchange to Address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing; and MOU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in Fisheries.
30. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the open and frank exchanges in a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding and looked forward to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Sultan thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for the warm and thoughtful reception extended to the Brunei Darussalam delegation throughout the visit and cordially invited Vietnamese leaders to visit Brunei Darussalam at a convenient time.
