JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM AN D THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT OF
HIS EXCELLENCY DR. SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
TO B RU NEI DARUSSALAM
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 24-25 FEBRUARY 2011
1. At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Dato Laila Utama Dr. Haji Susilo Bamba.ng Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, made a State visit to Brunei Darussalam from 24 to 25 February 2011. This was the President's second visit since taking office in 2004.
2. The Meeting between the two Leaders took place at lstana Nurul lman, in which they exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest. They acknowledged that the close neighbourly ties enjoyed by the two countries are based on historical linkages and shared common interests. In this regard, both Leaders reiterated their commitment to further enhance the two countries' close partnership for their mutual benefit.
4. His Excellency also expressed the Republic of Indonesia's sincere appreciation for the contributions and assistance rendered by the Government of Brunei Darussalam to the victims affected by the tsunami in Mentawai Island and the eruption of Mount Merapi, Indonesia in October 2010.
5. Both Leaders also expressed their deep condolences and sympathies over the loss of life and widespread damage caused by the recent earthquake in Christchurch and offered their support to the people and government of New Zealand during this very difficult tim:e.
6. Both Leaders noted with satisfaction the progress made in defence cooperation, which over the years has contributed to greater understanding and confidence building. In this regard, His Majesty invited Indonesia's National Armed Forces to participate in the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX), the Brunei International Tattoo and the Fleet Review, in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) this year.
7. Both Leaders welcomed the ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defence Cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, especially on the establishment of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee. They also reaffirmed their desire to strengthen and enhance cooperation in this field.
9. Both Leaders identified economic cooperation as an important component in their countries' relations and agreed that there was scope for further expansion. They viewed that there was considerable potential in many sectors, and reiterated their commitment to deepen and diversify the scope of trade and investment exchanges. In this regard, His Excellency encouraged Brunei Darussalam to increase their investment in various industries in Indonesia, such as renewable energy.
10. Both Leaders expressed their satisfaction with the signing of the MOU on the Cooperation in Agriculture between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia. Both Leaders acknowledged the importance of the MOU in improving the capabilities of both countries in addressing issues of food safety and security.
11. Both Leaders further agreed on the need to enhance marine and fisheries cooperation. To this end, both Leaders welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Marine and Fisheries Cooperation, and urged their respective Ministries to finalise the MOU on Fisheries Cooperation.
12. Both Leaders reiterated the importance of further promot1ng bilateral cooperation on health and encouraged both countries to finalise the MOU on Health.
14. Both Leaders encourage enhanced cooperation in other areas such as in education, culture and sports. In this respect, His Majesty conveyed his best wishes for the successful hosting of the 26th South East Asian (SEA) Games in Palembang in November 2011.
15. Both Leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people contact in strengthening bilateral relations and noted that more should be done to facilitate tourists' movement between the two countries.
16. On consular matters, both Leaders noted the progress in the discussion on the draft Arrangements on Consular Notification and Assistance between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. In this regard, the Leaders expressed the hope that the relevant Ministries would expedite the finalisation of the draft, as a basis for cooperation in protecting their respective cit1zens.
17. Both Leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in regional and international affairs. His Majesty expressed Brunei Darussalam's support for Indonesia's chairmanship in A SEAN this year. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work closely towards the attainment of ASEAN Con1munity in 2015. Both Leaders also recognized the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in promoting regional and international peace, security and prosperity.
19. Both Leaders recognized the importance of the Brunei-lndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as a platform for economic development. Both Leaders also agreed to further enhance the cooperation on forest conservation through the Heart of Borneo initiative, which could contribute to addressing climate change.
20. Both Leaders also shared the view that Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia should continue to cooperate in international fora, namely the United Nations (UN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), as well as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), in accordance with the international agreements subscribed by both countries and the UN Charter.
21. His Excellency extended his appreciation for Brunei Darussalam's support to the Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM-CSSTC).
22. H·is Majesty commended Indonesia's leading efforts in enhancing regional and international cooperation and expressed support for Indonesia's chairmanship of APEC in 2013 as well as Indonesia's role in G-20.
24. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the visit and concluded that this has further strengthened the close relations between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia.
25. His Excellency expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty and the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and Datin lbu Hajah Ani Yudhoyono during their visit. His Excellency also extended an invitation for His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja lsteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha to visit Indonesia.