A Downing Street spokesperson said:
“The Prime Minister welcomed His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei,
Hassanal Bolkiah, to Downing Street today to renew the UK-Brunei
Garrison Agreement.
“The leaders began by discussing the important relationship
between the UK and Brunei, which was rooted in close defence and
security cooperation and an ambition to drive greater growth
between both countries.
“The signing of the Garrison Agreement today, which secured the
future of the British forces base in Brunei, symbolised the
strong and historic relationship between the two countries, the
Prime Minister said.
“The agreement also underscored the UK's commitment to the
Indo-Pacific, and the leaders agreed on the importance of
regional stability and upholding the rules based international
order.
“Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the Prime Minister
said he was pleased the ceasefire in Lebanon had continued to
hold. That success underlined the urgent need to secure a similar
arrangement between Israel and Gaza, he added.
“A ceasefire in Gaza would enable the return of hostages and the
acceleration of aid, as well as creating the conditions for path
towards a safe and secure state of Israel, and a viable
Palestinian state, the Prime Minister added.
“The Prime Minister also updated on his key mission of growth,
and the leaders discussed how through trade, tourism, education,
and clean energy the two countries could deepen their economic
cooperation.
“The Prime Minister thanked His Majesty for Brunei's support for
the UK's accession to Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for
Trans-Pacific Partnership, adding he hoped the UK's accession to
the trading bloc would drive greater growth across the country.
“The leaders looked forward to speaking soon.”
