BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim admitted that he was leveraging good personal connections to improve diplomatic relations with Brunei.
"For example, just days after I assumed the role of prime minister, the Sultan of Brunei (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah), without being invited, chose to visit Malaysia as a gesture of friendship and support.
"This is a very meaningful development for me, personally. It also signifies Brunei's willingness to open a new chapter, focusing on and enhancing bilateral relations.
"The foreign minister and other government officials have addressed border issues, transportation, education, defence, and others.
"We have observed these areas to take place in a brief period," he told the media at Brunei International Airport here after attending the 25th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders Consultative event at the Nurul Iman palace here.
Anwar said during a private meeting and luncheon with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, he said they had also discussed the readiness to fully support each other to strengthen relations, fostering closer ties between both countries.
"Although previously there were some minor issues, overall, the relationship is very good. We cannot deny the role of previous leadership in maintaining this relationship.
"However, there is now a significant difference in two aspects; first, we are committed to enhancing all possible fields, and second, our approach has shifted towards seeking direct engagement in several aspects, even though the final decision is subject to the federal government.
"The relationship between Sabah and Sarawak with Brunei is more practical, emphasising the need to strengthen cooperation in tourism and agriculture, which can be mutually beneficial for both Brunei and Malaysia."
Both leaders welcomed the cooperation between the Brunei Petroleum Authority and Petronas under the Commercial Arrangement Area (CAA), highlighting their commitment to strengthening energy sector ties.
An ad-hoc committee was established to address and finalise maritime issues, including the Terms of Reference for the committee, demonstrating a collaborative effort to resolve maritime concerns between the two nations.
Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak are intensifying economic cooperation, with potential collaborations in energy, tourism, agriculture, and air connectivity.
The Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) in Malaysia has agreed to support Brunei with leadership training for higher education while the Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara (IKTBN) will offer training programs in electric vehicle (EV) technology.