Brunei Sultan on Visit to Russia

Since Sunday, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been in Russia for a five day visit. But only now is he meeting with Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev.

Reuters/Natalia Kolesnikova

“We are bringing our cooperation to a new level, which is embodied in the opening of the Russian embassy in your country’s capital,” Dmitry Medvedev said to the Sultan.

The two leaders met at the Kremlin to discuss bilateral ties in the areas of oil and military. It has been reported by the Russian media that the country wants to have access to Brunei’s natural resources. This, despite claims that within 15-20 years, the gas and oil will be gone.

At the same time, Brunei may be looking into purchasing some Russian arms. The Sultan met with Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport on Sunday to discuss the possibility of buying weapons. He was also given a presentation on Russian weaponry and an attack helicopter.

Also today, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Medvedev talked about increasing trade between their countries. Russia wants to amp up trade with Brunei by $50-75 million over the next few years. Medvedev also told reporters that he and the Sultan may sign a trade deal.

When the Sultan was not meeting with Russian leaders or its military, he was doing other duties normally done during state visits, such as laying a floral wreath at a monument in Moscow on Tuesday.

Brunei’s state visit to Russia ends tomorrow.