His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa‘adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to sign the exchange of letters in the field of defence with Prime Minister of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson at No 10, Downing Street, London, yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Earlier, His Majesty attended a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister at No 10, Downing Street.

During the meeting, His Majesty and the Prime Minister discussed issues of mutual interest such as defence, trade, climate change, and ASEAN-United Kingdom (UK) relationship as well as other bilateral cooperations between Brunei and UK.

His Majesty also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Brunei at his earliest convenience. Both leaders reaffirmed existing bilateral relationships and are committed to strengthening existing and future cooperations as well. The leaders also discussed other matters that are beneficial to both countries.

Also present at the meeting from the British Government were Prime Minister’s Military Adviser, Royal Navy Captain Stephen Higham; Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser David Quarrey CMG; British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay; and Private Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the Prime Minister Tara Soomro.

Also present at the bilateral meeting were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof.

Both countries have long established cooperation in the field of defence and the exchange of notes is intended to strengthen defence relations by fostering closer cooperation between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the British Armed Forces in areas of mutual interest such as training, operations and disaster relief, as well as sharing professional expertise including security concerns.