President Xi and Brunei’s Sultan Bolkiah Strengthen Ties in Beijing Meeting
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei in Beijing on Thursday, marking a significant step in deepening the longstanding friendship between China and Brunei.
President Xi highlighted the 30-year history of diplomatic relations between the two nations, noting the continuous enhancement of political trust and fruitful cooperation across various fields. “Our countries have set a model for large and small nations treating each other with mutual respect and equality,” Xi stated, emphasizing the positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity.
The two leaders discussed aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Brunei’s Vision 2035, aiming to synergize development strategies and promote mutual economic growth. President Xi expressed China’s willingness to encourage more enterprises to invest in Brunei, supporting the nation in diversifying its economy through advancements in digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries.
“We are committed to bringing more benefits to our peoples by strengthening cooperation and respecting each other as good neighbors and partners,” Xi said. He also pledged support for joint research in hybrid rice cultivation and encouraged Brunei to utilize platforms like the China International Import Expo to expand exports of high-quality agricultural and fishery products to China.
Sultan Bolkiah echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for deepening ties in education, culture, tourism, and sports. Both leaders agreed on the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges and playing a positive role in promoting international and regional stability.
This meeting opens a new chapter in China-Brunei relations, signifying a shared future that aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their citizens.
