Yoon-Brunei King Hold First Summit... "Cooperation in Defense, Defense Industry, Smart City, and Digital"

"40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: Expanding Cooperation"

President Yoon Suk-yeol, attending the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, shakes hands with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei before their summit meeting at the Lima Convention Center in Peru on the 15th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is visiting Lima, Peru to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, held his first summit meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on the 15th (local time).

During the meeting, President Yoon said, "The two countries have built a friendship through crude oil trade and construction projects even before establishing diplomatic relations," and added, "As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, let us further develop bilateral relations and expand cooperation into areas such as defense, defense industry, smart cities, and digital technology."

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah evaluated, "Korean companies have played an important role in Brunei's infrastructure development," and expressed hope for "close cooperation with Korea, the optimal partner for Brunei in various aspects."

Based on the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' established between Korea and ASEAN at last month's Korea-ASEAN Summit, the two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation at the ASEAN level, including responses to climate change and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.