Bandar Seri Begawan / Kuala Lumpur, 23 August 2025 – Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will embark on a state visit to Malaysia on 26 August, followed by the 26th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Brunei and Malaysia on 27 August.
Key Meetings on the Agenda
During the visit, His Majesty will have a royal audience with Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Leaders’ Consultation.
This summit marks the latest in an institutionalised high-level dialogue between the two countries since 1997, aimed at reviewing bilateral cooperation and exploring new areas for collaboration.
A Tradition of Strengthening Ties
The Sultan’s previous state visit to Malaysia took place from 2 to 4 August 2023, coinciding with the 24th Annual Leaders’ Consultation.
Diplomatic relations between Brunei and Malaysia were formally established in 1984. Since then, the two nations have enjoyed robust cooperation across multiple sectors—including economic, educational, defence, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.
Why This Matters for the Region
- Reaffirming a strategic partnership: This consultation provides a vital platform for reaffirming longstanding ties and identifying emerging areas of mutual interest—from cross-border infrastructure and trade to cultural and educational exchanges.
- Anchoring ASEAN cooperation: As ASEAN members, both countries contribute to regional stability and integration, and their dialogue helps shape collaborative leadership within ASEAN frameworks.
- Sustained momentum: Last year’s meeting in August 2024 at Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei underscored the continuity of this dialogue, reflecting the leaders’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
