03 February 2016

Brunei: Brunei Darussalam and India sign MoU on defence cooperation

JERUDONG, Tuesday 2 February 2016 - The Government of His Majesty the Sultan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Republic of India, this afternoon signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.

The signing ceremony was held at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom, Empire Hotel and Country Club. Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Datin Paduka Hajah Suriyah Binti Haji Umar, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, while the Government of the Republic of India was represented by His Excellency Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Mr. M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of the Republic of India and First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz Hj Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence, Brunei Darussalam.

The new Memorandum of Understanding sets forth the framework for bilateral cooperation in defence activities between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India. Areas of cooperation covers activities such as exchange of visits at official and working levels, training and the conduct of joint military exercises.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding recognized the increasing commitments of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India in promoting and fostering defence cooperation.

The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the official visit of Vice President of the Republic of India, His Excellency Mr. M. Hamid Ansari to Brunei Darussalam from 01 to 03 February 2016. The Republic of India also signed MOUs on Cooperation in Youth and Sports Affairs and on Health Cooperation during the ceremony.