Brunei urged to share information on maritime law enforcement
During the visit, the two sides inked three cooperation documents covering maritime cooperation, fisheries and efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
THE HANOI TIMES — Brunei was urged to enhance the sharing of maritime law enforcement information with Vietnam during Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s state visit, marking a new phase of accelerated bilateral relations.
Vietnam's President Luong Cuong (R) and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Hanoi on December 1. Photo: VNA
The issue was discussed at separate meetings between the Sultan and President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on December 1.
The leaders welcomed new memoranda of understanding on fisheries cooperation and the hotline mechanism on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, highlighting the importance of closer coordination. Vietnam reiterated its strong efforts to combat IUU fishing and called for Brunei’s support in advancing sustainable maritime economic development.
President Luong Cuong also said the visit creates momentum for a more substantive partnership. He praised Brunei’s socio-economic progress under Wawasan 2035 and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to deepening the comprehensive partnership.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed pleasure to return to Vietnam, thanked Vietnamese leaders for the warm reception and conveyed condolences to communities affected by recent floods in central provinces.
Both leaders reviewed progress in political ties, defense and security cooperation and the implementation of the 2023-2027 action program. They noted strong economic growth, with bilateral trade already reaching the 2025 target ahead of schedule.
They agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges, maintain the joint committee mechanism and expand cooperation across government, parliament and people-to-people channels.
Discussions included doubling two-way trade through stronger trade promotion, business connections, information sharing and cooperation in digital economy, green transition and circular economy. Vietnam encouraged Brunei investment in finance, infrastructure, energy, tourism and services.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation on halal standards, oil and gas services and joint petroleum exploration.
They highlighted defense and security cooperation and joint efforts against transnational crimes including drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration, cybercrime and money laundering. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in education, culture, tourism and exchanges.
The countries reaffirmed close coordination at the UN and ASEAN and stressed the need to uphold ASEAN unity. They reiterated support for peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (South China Sea) in line with international law including UNCLOS 1982.
The Sultan invited President Luong Cuong to visit Brunei and accepted an invitation to attend APEC 2027 in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive partnership, outlining priorities including sustained high-level exchanges, effective use of bilateral mechanisms and continued implementation of the Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership Action Program for 2023-2027.
He called for a stronger economic, trade and investment cooperation in areas such as oil and gas, chemicals, halal food processing, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam, for its part, proposed that Brunei support Vietnamese enterprises in oil and gas services, recognize halal certificates for exported goods and create more favorable conditions for their participation in global supply chains.
The PM encouraged cultural, sports and educational exchanges, with focus on connection between educational institutions, student exchanges and joint research between the two sides..
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his support for the Prime Minister's directions and called for stronger cooperation in energy, fisheries, halal production and people-to-people exchange.
A meeting between Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Photo: VNA
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man said the visit enhances parliamentary cooperation, with expanded collaboration between their legislative bodies and maintain coordination at regional and global forums including AIPA and IPU.
The two sides reaffirmed commitment to ASEAN unity and respect for international law including UNCLOS 1982.
On this occasion, the two sides signed three cooperation documents covering maritime cooperation, fisheries and efforts to combat IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing. The agreements commit both countries to sharing information on maritime law enforcement and address maritime security challenges together.
The cooperation in this field matters a lot, as Vietnam has recently intensified efforts to curb IUU fishing through stricter enforcement, transparent handling of violations and comprehensive management, including vessel registration, licensing, electronic traceability and vessel monitoring systems.
The government launched a nationwide campaign to combat IUU fishing, treating it as a top priority alongside sustainable fisheries development.
In this regard, close coordination with regional partners helps Vietnam monitor vessels, enforce maritime laws and prevent illegal fishing across shared or neighboring waters.
