1. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of India, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam paid a State Visit to India from 20-23 May 2008

3. The bilateral discussions were held in an atmosphere of traditional friendship, warmth and deep understanding. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership existing between India and Brunei Darussalam. A wide range of subjects covering economic, trade and investment, defence, information and communication technology, space, shipping & ports, health, culture, arts & sports, and consular areas were discussed during the meetings. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

4. During the visit, the following MOUs/Agreements were signed:
(i) Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments
(ii) MOU of Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology
(iii) MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Arts and Sports.
(iv) MOU on the Establishment of Joint Trade Committee
(v) MOU on Cooperation in the Operation of the Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles and for Cooperation in the field of Space Research Science and Applications

5. The leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing the frequency of exchange of high-level bilateral visits, including at the level of Head of State and Head of Government. They also reiterated their resolve to continue the bilateral dialogue and cooperation within regional frameworks and at various international fora.

6. The Indian side expressed its appreciation to His Majesty’s Government for facilitating the Indian community to work and live in Brunei Darussalam in a harmonious environment. The Indian community in Brunei Darussalam consisting of professionals like doctors, engineers, IT experts, teachers, the business community and both skilled and unskilled workers has contributed to the economic development of Brunei Darussalam. The Bruneian side responded by acknowledging the contribution rendered by the Indian community in Brunei Darussalam. The Indian side underlined the need for an MOU on Labour to facilitate future manpower supply to Brunei Darussalam.

7. Both sides noted that bilateral trade between the two countries had gone up in 2006-07 and agreed to take steps to increase the level of bilateral trade. They also welcomed the interest for mutual investment in each other’s country, taking advantage of business climate and the opportunities.

8. Both sides emphasized the importance of energy security for their economic growth and development. The Indian side expressed interest to continue importing crude oil from Brunei Darussalam on mutually beneficial terms. To meet the increasing energy requirements, the Indian side expressed interest to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Brunei Darussalam.

9. Both sides identified the need for cooperation in the defence sector, and agreed to explore specific areas of cooperation.

10. The two sides agreed that cooperation in ICT is important to both countries. To further enhance and strengthen cooperation in this sector, the Indian side agreed to share its experience with Brunei Darussalam in e-governance and the setting up of knowledge based industries in both countries.

11. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Arts and Sports, which would increase cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Indian side expressed appreciation to the support extended by Brunei Darussalam to the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Asia Centre at Chandigarh, which will be transformed into a Centre of Excellence as agreed at the 2006 Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Bahamas.

12. Both sides welcomed the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the Operation of the Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles and for Cooperation in the field of Space Research Science and Applications. The Indian side expressed appreciation to the Bruneian side for all the cooperation and assistance rendered to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) over the last decade.

13. The Indian side highlighted the importance of Brunei Darussalam within ASEAN and the understanding expressed by Brunei Darussalam on India’s “Look East” policy. The two sides look forward to an early conclusion of the negotiations in the ASEAN-India FTA and to realize the target of India - ASEAN trade reaching US $ 50 billion by the year 2010.

18. The two sides underlined that climate change is a global challenge with strong economic, environmental and social dimensions that impacted all countries and especially the developing countries; it required a concerted international response based on the principle of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides agreed that stronger international cooperation within the UN framework is needed to take steps to cope with and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change especially in the areas of adaptation, mitigation, capacity building, technology transfer, and adequate financing facilities. Both leaders shared the view that a future strategy designed to combat climate change should at the same time support sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction which are vital for developing countries.

19. The two sides discussed a range of other international issues, and agreed to cooperate and work together to promote international peace and development.

21. His Majesty invited the President of India and the Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Brunei Darussalam. The invitation was accepted and the dates for the visits would be settled through diplomatic channels.

New Delhi
May 22, 2008