(Source: Borneo Bulletin)
Positive outcome at the Joint Commission
By CT Hj Mahmod
Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Indonesian
MInister of Foreign Affairs
Dr N. Hassan Wirajuda at the first Joint
Commission meeting in Jakarta. - Photo: Infofoto
Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, expressed his confidence on the positive outcome of the first Joint Commission between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia that envisaged new areas of co-operation between the two countries.
HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah co-chaired the First Joint Commission Meeting on Friday, at which the signing of the Agreed Minutes also took place.
Signing on behalf of the government of the Republic of Indonesia was Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda.
Speaking at the meeting HRH Prince Mohamed said that both ministers have had a comprehensive look at the existing good relationship, not only current and future concerns but also past cooperation between both countries.
"The meeting has identified human resource development, defence, social services, and private sector development as most important immediate areas, all which involved capacity-building and all are aimed in helping the people meet today's challenges well," he added.
The Prince referred to the healthy relations between the two countries, that are most strongly shown with the 30,000 Indonesians currently working in Brunei.
"Many of these are the backbone of our industries and we are grateful to them for their contribution to our development," he said.
Earlier in his introductory remarks the Minister said that the percentage of Indonesians working in Brunei must be about the highest in any country in the world.
The Prince cited the idea of setting up of a working group in trade and investment and said it is a step in the right direction.
" In this our two governments will do all they can, of course but at the same time, our business people need to play their part as well. So it is good to see that have decided to form Business Council. Also the idea of an Indonesia-Brunei Friendship Association fits very well. It certainly helps our overall aim of promoting personal contacts between our people," he added.
On the area of transport, HRH Prince Mohamed noted that the meeting puts special focus on transport, where there is a need to look at ways to make it easier to move goods and vehicles by land and sea. He said, " It should mean that our people will find it easier to travel between Brunei and Kalimantan'.
Meanwhile according to a joint press statement an MoU on Land, Transport of Passengers and Goods and an MoU on Shipping Services and Ports were proposed during the meeting.
Both sides agreed there should be a call to increase investment co-operation between Indonesia and Brunei. In this regard, they agreed to explore the possibility of establishing investment agreement for the purpose of promoting investment between the two countries.
On defence, the meeting noted that the Brunei side would convey to the concerned authority about the Indonesia sale offer of various military equipments, including military vessels and CN-235 aircraft.
Concerning the arrangements of Indonesian workers in Brunei, the meeting noted Indonesia's view that both countries needed to sign an MoU on Labour placement.
The meeting agreed that the second meeting of the Joint Commission would be convened in Brunei at a date mutually agreed upon.
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