AMN /
India and Brunei signed three memoranda of understanding to cooperate in the fields of defence, health and youth affairs & sports. The representatives of both the countries signed the documents in presence of the visiting Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari at capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Minister of State for Home, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhari was also present during the signing ceremony.
Talking to the media persons later, Secretary – East in the Ministry of External Affairs Anil Wadhwa said, there would be delegations-level follow up visits from both the sides very soon. The visit is to decide upon the specifics of defence cooperation, health sector tie up and establishing a gas-based urea manufacturing unit by India in Brunei.
Later, Vice President Hamid Ansari asked the Indian diaspora to build unbreakable bondage with the host nation. Addressing a reception hosted in his honour, he appreciated the respect Indian teachers, doctors and engineers have earned in Brunei.
Defence ties between India and Brunei dates back to many decades. Today’s MoU is to consolidate the relationship and institutionalise them, besides expanding its scope. In health sector, it is proposed to use India’s space technology expertise in diagnostics, exchange of medical professionals and pharmaceutical regulatory practices.
The Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah has agreed to pay an official visit to India in the near future. Vice President Ansari summed up his visit in the community reception saying, it was successful and that India has got some takeaways from the tour.