Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Joint Statement

General Secretary To Lam and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. (Photo: DANG KHOA)

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam paid a State visit to Vietnam from November 30 to December 2, 2025.

2. During the visit, the King attended an official welcoming ceremony, held talks with President Luong Cuong, met with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.

3. The two leaders acknowledged the socio-economic developments in both countries and expressed their delight at the substantial and positive developments in bilateral relations since the upgrading of relations to Comprehensive Partnership in 2019. The two leaders emphasized the importance of the Action Plan to implement the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership for the period 2023-2027, and agreed to closely coordinate to comprehensively and effectively implement the Action Plan.

4. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas, including politics, defense-security, trade-investment, energy, education, culture-society, people-to-people exchange, and other areas of mutual interest, as well as cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

Political Cooperation

5. The leaders of the two countries acknowledged the importance of maintaining the exchange of delegations and high-level contacts through all channels of the State, Government, National Assembly, people and localities to strengthen political trust and mutual understanding. The leaders of the two countries agreed to organize activities to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam in 2027. The two sides recognized the effectiveness of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) mechanism co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, as well as existing dialogue and specialized cooperation mechanisms.

Defense and Security Cooperation

6. The leaders of the two countries acknowledged the positive results of cooperation between the Ministries of National Defense and the Armies of the two countries in the following areas: implementing the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding on Naval Cooperation; establishing and effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms between the defense forces of the two countries, including the Joint Working Group on Defense Cooperation; improving professional capacity for officers and soldiers of the two countries through joint training and courses; promoting cooperation in the fields of maritime security and safety, defense industry, cyber security, counter-terrorism, and intelligence exchange; seeking cooperation between the Vietnam Coast Guard and Brunei's maritime law enforcement agencies.

7. The two leaders pledged to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral defense forums, especially within the ASEAN framework such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ASEAN Plus (ADMM+), the ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Meeting (ACDFM) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

8. The two leaders also agreed to promote maritime cooperation between the two sides, through dialogue and sharing of experiences and information, as well as addressing maritime security challenges in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure security and safety at sea.

9. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the field of security through sharing information and experience in preventing and combating transnational organized crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, people smuggling, terrorism, cybercrime and money laundering. They expressed satisfaction with regional cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), the ASEAN Chiefs of Police Meeting (ASEANPOL) and the ASEAN Intelligence Community Meeting (AICC).

The leaders of the two countries welcomed new progress in security cooperation within the bilateral and ASEAN frameworks, including negotiations on agreements on preventing and combating transnational crimes, extradition, and transfer of sentenced persons. The leaders of the two countries also welcomed the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi and agreed to adjust internal procedures to ratify the Convention, contributing to its early entry into force.

Economic Cooperation

10. Trade: The two countries' leaders were pleased with the ahead-of-schedule completion of the bilateral trade target of 500 million USD by 2025, and agreed to closely coordinate to double the two-way trade turnover by 2035 on the basis of diversifying import and export products and aiming for a balanced trade balance.

11. The leaders of the two countries agreed to promote trade and encourage businesses and business associations of the two countries to increase exchanges, including strengthening linkages and cooperation in agricultural, forestry and fishery products. The leaders of the two countries also agreed to seek measures to facilitate bilateral trade, including improving customs procedures and taking advantage of FTAs to which both sides are members. The two sides expressed their openness to continue discussing rice trade cooperation, especially creating conditions for importers to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in food security. The leaders of the two countries also encouraged the business communities of the two countries to promote trade and freight transport activities through BIMP-EAGA and the Mekong sub-region.

12. Investment: Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to facilitate investment from Brunei Darussalam through the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), other Bruneian institutions and investors in the development projects of the International Financial Centre. Brunei Darussalam welcomes and extends support to Vietnamese investors to expand their business activities in Brunei Darussalam, especially in areas aligned with the objectives and priorities of the country’s Development Vision 2023 (Wawasan 2035).

13. Digital economy: The two leaders agreed to promote cooperation in new areas such as digital economy, green transformation, and circular economy through sharing successful practices, capacity building, encouraging cooperation between relevant agencies, organizations and businesses, and establishing research cooperation mechanisms between institutes and universities.

14. Halal Cooperation: The leaders of the two countries recognized the great potential for cooperation in the Halal industry, including promoting cooperation between Halal certification bodies of the two countries, towards mutual recognition of Halal certification. Vietnam encourages Bruneian enterprises to invest in building Halal industrial zones, developing Halal food and product production projects in Vietnam.

Brunei Darussalam encourages Vietnamese enterprises and localities to cooperate with Bruneian partners in the production and processing of Halal-compliant food for the domestic market of the two countries and for export to third countries. The leaders of the two countries agreed that the two sides will share experiences on Halal-related issues, including good practices and processes in Halal food production; and support capacity building of experts in this field through training programs and experience transfer.

15. Agriculture and Fisheries: The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and food security by encouraging businesses, universities and research institutions to promote exchanges and research cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and food security. Brunei Darussalam is committed to facilitating Vietnamese businesses to expand their investment in agriculture, fisheries and food security by strengthening cooperation with businesses and partners on a mutually beneficial basis, towards ensuring the recovery of the regional food supply chain. Brunei Darussalam encourages investment from Vietnam in the fisheries sector through joint ventures with registered local businesses to promote a competitive, transparent and sustainable fisheries industry.

16. The two leaders agreed to enhance information exchange and cooperation to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Brunei Darussalam noted and appreciated Viet Nam’s efforts in strengthening fisheries management and sustainable practices, and looked forward to positive developments in Viet Nam in its cooperation with the European Commission.

Energy Cooperation

17. The leaders of both countries welcomed energy companies from both sides to cooperate on a commercial basis in the oil and gas sector, in accordance with international law and the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The leaders of both countries welcomed businesses from both sides, especially the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and Brunei Energy Services and Trading Company (BEST), to increase their participation and promote cooperation in oil and gas trade and services, in midstream and downstream projects; encouraged the potential for cooperation in various areas of the oil and gas industry and welcomed the relevant agencies to continue to conduct exchanges. Brunei Darussalam encouraged further participation of Vietnamese businesses, including potential trade and investment opportunities.

18. Brunei Darussalam highly appreciated the positive contribution of PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services Corporation (PV Drilling) in providing drilling services to the oil and gas industry of Brunei Darussalam, especially in the upstream sector. Both sides encouraged PV Drilling and its partners in Brunei Darussalam to continue expanding cooperation in the provision of drilling and well drilling, and affirmed their support in facilitating the processes when necessary.

19. The leaders of the two countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation extending to the field of energy transition, through expert exchanges, training and capacity building, enhanced business and investment cooperation, as well as mutual consideration of services and opportunities between the two countries.

People-to-people exchange

20. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions through student and teacher exchanges, joint research and training programs, cultural activities and internships. The two leaders also welcomed the Vietnamese language courses at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) towards promoting mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people relations.

21. The two leaders also agreed to promote connectivity through sports and cultural activities, regional and international tourism events and promotional activities. The two leaders agreed on the potential for enhanced air connectivity, contributing to the common goal of promoting substantive cooperation and deepening people-to-people exchanges.

22. The two leaders agreed to promote parliamentary cooperation and continue to closely coordinate at multilateral inter-parliamentary forums, especially on regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two sides will consider establishing the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Friendship Association and the Brunei Darussalam-Vietnam Friendship Association when conditions permit.

Regional and International Issues

23. The two leaders stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism and the rules-based international order based on the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and on the basis of international law in order to maintain peace, security and prosperity, as well as sustainable development. In this regard, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the good cooperation and close consultation between the two countries at regional and international forums, especially within ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Brunei Darussalam expressed its steadfast support for Vietnam in its role as Chair of APEC 2027.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to support efforts to strengthen and reform global institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), to promote shared interests and address global, regional and sub-regional challenges of mutual concern.

24. The two leaders agreed to promote cooperation to achieve beneficial results from participating in free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

25. The two leaders stressed the importance of strengthening ASEAN's centrality and unity, committed to strengthening coordination to promote the ASEAN Community building process, effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and strategic plans, expand and deepen cooperation in ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners, especially in areas of common interest such as trade, investment, digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, climate change response, connectivity, food security, water resources and energy.

26. The two leaders emphasized the important and complementary role of sub-regional development in the regional integration process and ASEAN Community building, especially in the field of enhancing economic integration and narrowing the development gap. The two leaders committed to promoting sustainable, inclusive and equitable development in the ASEAN Community by linking sub-regional growth with ASEAN's overall development and strengthening ASEAN's relationship with sub-regional cooperation frameworks.

27. The two leaders emphasized the importance of compliance with international law, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. The two sides reaffirmed the maintenance of peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and recognized the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. The two leaders emphasized the importance of self-restraint and non-militarization, and refraining from actions that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea. The two sides committed to supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

28. The two leaders stressed the importance of all countries concerned in promoting a peaceful, stable and conducive environment, with the aim of building trust and enhancing mutual confidence in the region. In this regard, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of fully and effectively implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and looked forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, in particular the 1982 UNCLOS.

29. During the visit, the two sides signed the following documents:

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam on Maritime Cooperation
MOU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Vietnam and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in Using a Hotline to Exchange Information on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
MOU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Vietnam and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries.

30. The leaders of both countries expressed satisfaction with the open and frank exchange in the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding and looked forward to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. His Majesty the King thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for the warm and thoughtful reception extended to the Brunei Darussalam delegation during the visit and cordially invited the Vietnamese leaders to visit Brunei Darussalam at a convenient time.

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