KualaLumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Prime Minister MuhyiddinYassin and Brunei Sultan and PM Haji Hassanal Bolk𒁏iah held the 23rd annual𒐪leaders’ consultation on April 5, agreeing to boost the countries’ cooperation,including in the COVID-19 combat.

The joint statement issued following the event noted that tofacilitate people’s cross-border movement, both countries will prioritise vaccinationfor their diplomats, students, and expatriates; ensure access to vaccinesupplies for both Brunei and Malaysia; and mutually recognise each other’s vaccinationcertificates. The two leaders agreed in principle on the establishment of areciprocal “green lane”, with effective COVID-19 prevention and controlmeasures, to facilitate essential business and official travel between bothcountries. In terms of bilateral ties, they reaffirmed their commitmentto further nurture this special relationship by broadening and strengthening cooperationin an array of mutually beneficial areas. They appreciated the collaboration between the twogovernments, particularly in managing the repatriation of their respectivecitizens stranded in each other's country and other nations during thepandemic. The leaders also expressed their wishto enhance economic links, including in agriculture, fisheries, education,connectivity, trade, and tourism; defence ties; cooperation in youth andsports; along with transport connectivity. In a memorandum ofunderstanding between the two governments on cooperation in disaster managementsigned at the end of the leaders' consultation, they said the countries willstrengthen ties in the area, particularly through training, joint exercise,operation and the exchange of expertise and information related to disasterprevention and risk reduction./.