Brunei-Pakistan Ties Hailed
By Narissa Noor &Yusrin Junaidi

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Pakistani High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam hosted a reception last night to mark Pakistan's 68th National Day. Major General (Rtd) Syed Haidar Jawed and his wife welcomed the Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, and wife, along with other guests including ambassadors, high commissioners to Brunei and government officials.

In his address, the High Commissioner emphasised Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism.

"We are at the crossroads of historic changes and civilisational challenges that call for greater demonstration of national unity, inter-faith harmony and immaculate self discipline," he said as he highlighted the importance of addressing the root cause of terrorism.

"The conditions of poverty, deprivation, under development and long standing disputes resulting in desperation and hopelessness need to be resolved for sustainable success."

The High Commission also recognised the warm and brotherly relations that Pakistan and Brunei share especially in peace and economic growth. "The basis of our relationship lies in the similarity of global vision, religious and cultural bonds and mutual trust," he said.

He emphasised the bright prospects for friendship and partnership as the leadership of the two countries are determined to consolidate and diversify the scope of cooperation.

He went on to cite several instances of bilateral cooperation between the two countries that have seen much progress.

In 2006, the Pakistan-Brunei Joint Commission was established to institutionalize bilateral economic and trade relations. Also in that year, the Pakistan-Brunei Joint Investment Company was established to give impetus to bilateral commercial cooperation in industrial manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, financial services and marketing products in Pakistan and abroad.

In exploring Free Trade Agreement, a Joint Study Group has been set up, the second meeting of which was held in Brunei in August, 2007. The next will be held in Islamabad.

There are currently nine MoUs in the socio economic fields, said the High Commissioner, and recently a MoU was signed during the visit by the Health Minister in August 2007. Royal Brunei Airlines has also been allowed to operate three weekly flights to Pakistan to facilitate tourism and trade.

He invited the corporate sector of both countries to take initiatives and further explore the possibility of enhancing business cooperation.

The highlight of the reception, held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, was the cutting of the National Day cake by the guest of honour and the high commissioner. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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