JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 27TH ANNUAL LEADERS' CONSULTATION
BETWEEN
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH,
SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
AND
THE HONOURABLE DATO' SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM,
PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
1. 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, and The Honourable Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, held the 27th Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC) on 22 August 2026. The consultations were conducted in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship and brotherly relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
2. Building on this strong foundation, the Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen cooperation in important areas of mutual interest. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts by both sides since the 26th ALC to ensure the timely and effective implementation of its outcomes. The Leaders underscored the need to sustain the strong momentum of cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration that would advance the well-being and prosperity of the peoples of both countries.
3. The Leaders reiterated the importance of the ongoing implementation of the 2009 Exchange of Letters (EOL) as the cornerstone of strategic cooperation. They welcomed the steadfast progress made in its implementation and noted the outcomes of the 27th Meeting on the Implementation of the 2009 EOL held on 21 August 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan.
4. On the demarcation and survey of the land boundary, both Leaders unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to the 2009 EOL, Memorandum of Understanding on the Process for the Joint Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary signed in March 2012 and its annexed Terms of Reference (TOR). These binding instruments clearly stipulate that any undelimited or undemarcated land boundary between the two countries will be resolved on the basis of the existing five (5) Land Boundary Agreements, and that in areas where no such agreements exist as yet, both countries shall negotiate solely on the basis of the watershed principle.
5. They acknowledged the strong commitment and significant efforts of the Joint Technical Teams, noting that a total distance of 264.791km, equivalent to approximately 50 per cent of the land boundary has been jointly surveyed and demarcated. They further stressed the need to maintain this momentum towards achieving the agreed target of completing the joint survey and demarcation of the entire land boundary by 2034.
6. Both Leaders underscored that the resolution of Sector F-G must be solely based on the watershed principle, and reiterated both countries' commitment to jointly determine a single watershed in Sector F-G, and complete its demarcation and survey by 31 May 2027, in accordance with the 2024 Exchange of Notes (EON). The Leaders also noted the discussions and outcomes of the established bilateral mechanisms, including the 20th Technical Committee Meeting on the Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary held on 23 – 25 June 2026 in Penang, Malaysia, and the 5th Meeting of the Joint Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Land Boundary Committee (LBC) held on 5 August 2026 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
7. The Leaders noted the discussions of the 27th Meeting between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia on the Implementation of the EOL on 21 August 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. In particular, the Leaders emphasised the need to make significant joint progress in Sector F-G and urged the Joint Technical Committee to advance technical work in all the outstanding sectors, particularly the priority sectors as soon as possible, in accordance with the 2012 TOR that takes into account points of convergence between both sides.
8. The Leaders also emphasised the need to address cross-border security issues such as smuggling of contraband and other illegal activities, through closer cooperation between the relevant agencies of both sides. In this regard, they urged the Working Committee on Security Matters Related to the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Land Boundary to finalise the draft Guidelines on the Sharing of Information and Designation of Contact Points, which would enhance communication and coordination between both countries.
9. The Leaders also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen closer coordination in cross-border search and rescue (SAR) and emergency response. The focus will be on enhancing coordination, exploring areas of collaboration, and strengthening mutual understanding of cross-border arrangements, while building on existing cooperation in disaster management.
10. The Leaders acknowledged the continued discussions on maritime-related matters. In this regard, the Leaders recalled the agreement to establish the joint ad-hoc committee on maritime-related matters at ALC-26, and encouraged both sides to finalise the Terms of Reference for the effective implementation of maritime issues under EOL.
11. The Leaders expressed satisfaction on the close collaboration between the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam and PETRONAS, through the Commercial Arrangement Areas (CAA), and encouraged both sides to sustain the good momentum in advancing joint projects in accordance with the agreed timelines.
12. The Leaders expressed pleasure with the steady progress of economic cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the States of Sabah and Sarawak. They reaffirmed their commitment to further build on this foundation by advancing practical cooperation in areas that bring direct and tangible benefits to both sides.
13. In this regard, they looked forward to the Brunei Darussalam-Sarawak Joint Committee, serving as an effective platform to review progress, facilitate the implementation of agreed initiatives and provide strategic direction for future cooperation.
14. The Leaders also welcomed the progress in energy cooperation and the agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak in September 2025, to collaborate in oil and gas activities, power, energy transition and any other mutually agreed activities in the future. These, amongst others, include the on-going efforts towards realising the Brunei-Sarawak power interconnection project as part of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), as well as the existing Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) collaboration, exchange of visits and workshops.
15. On tourism, the Leaders expressed satisfaction with the continued cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak, including through the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB). They welcomed the second “Citarasa and Tautan Budaya Sarawak-Brunei" event on 30 July – 2 August 2026. They further welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and the Sarawak Tourism Board in May 2026, to enhance connectivity and jointly promote Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak as gateways to Borneo. They also encouraged more joint tourism initiatives between Brunei Darussalam with the States of Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Brunei Year 2027.
16. The Leaders noted the exchanges of visits facilitated by the Brunei Economic Development Board in February and July 2026, and were supportive of greater business linkages and investment opportunities between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak.
17. The Leaders welcomed ongoing discussions on commercial rice cultivation in Sarawak, which could contribute to food security, strengthen agricultural cooperation and create new economic opportunities for both sides to advance discussions on this mutually beneficial joint venture.
18. They also acknowledged the importance of strengthening supply chains and ensuring market access, through enhanced connectivity and collaborative investments to address global disruptions. In this regard, they welcomed recent private sector agreements between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak in logistics, digital services and food products, and urged greater collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah to this end.
19. The Leaders also encouraged the relevant agencies to explore the feasibility of a “single checkpoint" to streamline immigration procedures, including reducing the need for multiple passport endorsements, and facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
20. The Leaders welcomed ongoing initiatives to improve land connectivity and cross-border movement between Brunei Darussalam with the states of Sabah and Sarawak. In particular, they noted the development of the Trans Borneo Highway, Northern Coastal Highway and Road Linking Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu (Kuala Melinau) and Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) projects, which have the potential to facilitate cross-border movement of goods and people, support tourism and generate wider economic activities across Borneo.
21. The Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) as an important step towards strengthening chamber-to-chamber cooperation and private-sector engagement. The Leaders also encouraged both Chambers to translate the Memorandum of Understanding into tangible trade, investment and business outcomes through the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Joint Business Council (BDMJBC).
22. On defence cooperation, the Leaders underscored their shared commitment to ensuring regional peace, security and stability through the long-standing ties between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). They noted with satisfaction the active exchanges and training programmes between both armed forces, as well as their cooperation under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Brunei Darussalam also expressed its sincere appreciation for the participation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force in the 65th anniversary of the RBAF in May 2026.
23. Both Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue enhancing cooperation under the various ASEAN-led defence mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in addressing traditional and non-traditional challenges and threats.
24. On education, the Leaders noted with pleasure the continued collaboration between the educational institutions, particularly through scholarship programmes, industrial placements, joint research and publications, technical and vocational training partnerships as well as student and academic exchanges. Both Leaders also welcomed continued efforts in promoting educational exchanges and enhance cooperation in the field of higher education, and technical and vocational education and training.
25. The Leaders further welcomed the potential for enhanced cooperation in the area of basic education, including special needs education through the sharing of best practices, expertise and experiences in early intervention, inclusive education and support for students with special educational needs.
26. Both Leaders also welcomed regular exchanges between the youths, including in Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) XXII Selangor 2026 held from 15 to 24 August 2026. They recognised the important role of such platforms in fostering lasting friendships, mutual understanding and goodwill among the young generation of both sides.
27. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the continued judicial cooperation under the Memorandum of Judicial Cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, and welcomed the convening of the first Biennial Bilateral Meeting held in Brunei Darussalam on 8 July 2026, attended by the Chief Justices and senior members of the Judiciaries of both sides. In this regard, they encouraged further exchanges among the judiciary and other legal related institutions to promote professional development and understanding of their respective legal and judicial frameworks, towards building institutional capacity and elevating the standards of the countries' justice systems.
28. Both Leaders also acknowledged the importance of closer coordination in addressing cross-border disaster management and emergency response. In this regard, they welcomed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management on 22 August 2026.
29. The Leaders commended the progress made under the Treaty on the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) signed on 3 August 2023. They acknowledged the successful transfer of Malaysian nationals on 5 August 2026 to serve the remainder of their sentences in their country of origin, reflecting excellent coordination and mutual commitment to the effective implementation of the treaty.
30. On regional issues, the Leaders reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN unity and Centrality in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. They reiterated their commitment to realising the shared aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, through advancing its effective implementation.
31. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely to maintain peace, security, stability, and safety in the region. They underscored the need to ensure freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Leaders also stressed the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea.
32. Brunei Darussalam expressed support for Malaysia's role as the Country Coordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in facilitating ongoing efforts towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The Leaders underscored the importance of maintaining and promoting an environment conducive to the COC negotiations, with a view to building confidence and enhancing mutual trust in the region.
33. On the Middle East, both Leaders emphasised that the Palestinian issue remains the root cause of conflict and broader instability in the region and expressed strong condemnation against the continued acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by Israel, the Occupying Power. They also condemned the indiscriminate violence and blockade of humanitarian access and aid delivery, which have resulted in mass casualties and prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people. The Leaders urged the international community to act decisively to end the cycle of impunity, including by ensuring respect for international law and securing a permanent ceasefire, with a view to ending the occupation and aggression by the Occupying Power. On this note, the Leaders welcomed the growing global momentum toward recognising Palestinian statehood and reiterated their call for Palestine's admission as a full Member State of the United Nations.
34. The Leaders also expressed profound concern over the heightened tensions and renewed hostilities in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the retaliatory strikes against several countries in the region. This has resulted in civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and a worsening humanitarian situation. They urged all Parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and return to dialogue and diplomacy, towards ending the hostilities and coming to a resolution.
35. The Leaders further noted that the situation had disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global supply chains in energy and essential goods. In this regard, they underscored the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They expressed deep concern over any discriminatory or unilateral measures which are inconsistent with international law, and called for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.
36. On a broader regional context, the Leaders also strongly condemned the targeting of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), comprising personnel from the Malaysian Battalion and the RBAF. Both Leaders emphasised that the safety and security of United Nations personnel must be fully ensured, and called upon all Parties to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure accountability for all attacks against United Nations personnel and their premises, and fully respecting UNIFIL's mandate, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and 2823 (2026).
37. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam extended his warmest congratulations to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as his best wishes to the Government and people of Malaysia, on the occasion of the country's 69th Independence Day on 31 August 2026 as well as in hosting the 34th SEA Games in 2027.
38. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions and reiterated their commitment to further advancing the longstanding bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
39. The Leaders agreed to hold the 28th Annual Leaders' Consultation in Malaysia in 2027.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - 22 AUGUST 2026
