In a diplomatic encounter, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa‘adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, received General Angus John Campbell, AO, DSC, the Chief of the Defence Force for the Australian Defence Force, in an audience yesterday.
General Angus John Campbell was joined by Luke Arnold, the High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam, Wing Commander Matthew Xerri, Defence Adviser Australia to Brunei Darussalam, Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, the Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Force Australia, and David Bolton, the Director of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei within the International Policy Division of the Department of Defence in Australia.
The meeting between the Bruneian Sultan and the Australian Chief of Defence Force is emblematic of the enduring partnership between Brunei Darussalam and Australia in the realm of defense cooperation. This partnership has been cultivated over a long history and encompasses a wide range of bilateral defense activities. These activities span visits, professional exchanges, joint exercises, training programs, and educational courses, further solidifying the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
One significant milestone in this defense relationship was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Defence Activities on May 10, 1999. This MoU has served as a foundational framework for collaborative endeavors in the defense sector between Brunei Darussalam and Australia, facilitating closer coordination and cooperation in various defense-related initiatives.
The meeting not only reaffirms the commitment of both nations to their robust defense partnership but also underlines the importance of continued dialogue and engagement in matters related to regional security and stability. As regional allies, Brunei Darussalam and Australia share common interests in promoting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, making such diplomatic exchanges vital for enhancing mutual understanding and strategic alignment.
These diplomatic interactions play a pivotal role in fostering goodwill, strengthening defense ties, and promoting regional security in an increasingly complex global landscape.