Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, engaged in discussions today during the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC) at Seri Perdana.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrived at Seri Perdana at 10.30 am, accompanied by Prince 'Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, and was welcomed by Prime Minister Anwar. The meeting was also attended by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and several Cabinet ministers.

Upon the Sultan's arrival, both leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Brunei, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Following the signing, a private meeting was held between Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Anwar to discuss various matters, with a focus on the enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The Sultan is scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister at Seri Perdana, marking the continuation of his state visit to Malaysia, which was extended by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The ALC remains the pinnacle bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Brunei, facilitating discussions on the progress of existing collaborations and addressing regional and international issues of common interest.

In 2024, Brunei ranked as Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with total trade between the countries reaching RM7.53 billion (USD1.77 billion). In the first half of this year alone, Malaysia-Brunei trade amounted to USD690 million (RM3.02 billion), comprising exports worth USD500 million (RM2.18 billion) and imports valued at USD190 million (RM840 million).