Sultan For Talks In KL: Limbang And EEZ Problems To Be Discussed
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei makes a four-day working visit to Malaysia today in conjunction with the annual consultations meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the New Straits Times reported Wednesday.

Wisma Putra said in a statement on Tuesday that the meeting to be held on Friday would among others discuss issues of mutual interest as well as areas of cooperation to enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between Brunei and Malaysia.

Eleven senior officials will accompany the Brunei ruler, reports said.

During his visit, His Majesty is expected to attend a banquet hosted by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, Utusan Online reported.

In early July this year, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, made a three-day official visit to Brunei. He led a 14-member delegation and held four eyes meeting with His Majesty.

Among the matters discussed were overlapping claims over Limbang involving land and maritime borders and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Both countries were supposed to hold a meeting at the official level on July 22, but informed sources said it was postponed by a month.

“We wanted to solve the issue of overlapping claims on Limbang, if possible, yesterday but we could not do it. But we will try to solve it as soon as possible,” Abdullah had said in a press conference in Brunei.

“But it does not mean that we have to solve it on this or that particular date. If we can solve it earlier, it would be better,” he said.

Abdullah said that at the proposed meeting both sides would present their views and suggestions on the best way to resolve the issue. “This will have to be decided at the meeting, and we are open to whatever suggestions that will be brought up at that meeting.”

Malaysia has said both countries would work out a win-win formula over their common border at Limbang.

“In terms of principles, any formula must benefit both countries,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah also said the Limbang issue would not jeopardise ties between the two countries, adding that it must be settled soon as it had dragged on for too long.

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