State President Luong Cuong and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at APEC 2025 in the Republic of Korea. (Photo: VNA)

Under the absolute and comprehensive leadership of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s domestic situation has remained broadly stable. Economic growth shows signs of recovery, with forecasts projecting growth between 2.4% and 3.4% in 2025, while inflation is assessed to be low. Brunei, possessing large oil resources, has an economy driven by crude oil and natural gas exports. Looking ahead, the country has emphasised continued development of oil and gas products, with the aim of positioning itself as a regional hub for the petroleum and chemical industries. Brunei is also focused on economic diversification, prioritising the development of science and technology, agriculture, logistics, tourism and other sectors.

In foreign relations, Brunei continues to pursue a self-reliance foreign policy, balancing ties with major powers while seeking closer relations with neighbouring countries. It also highlights an active role within ASEAN and the United Nations, promoting adherence to international law and supporting regional development to protect its sovereignty, prosperity, and national interests. Since diplomatic relations were established on February 29, 1992, and upgraded to a comprehensive partnership in March 2019, Viet Nam and Brunei have worked steadily to deepen bilateral ties and foster effective cooperation across multiple domains. Political cooperation has strengthened consistently, supported by high-level engagement at all levels. Most recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paid an official visit to Brunei in February 2023. The two countries have maintained close coordination across ministries, sectors and enterprises to implement the action programme for their comprehensive partnership for 2023–2027.

Bilateral economic cooperation has delivered notable outcomes. In 2024, two-way trade surpassed 671 million USD, representing a 165% increase compared with 2023. Viet Nam’s primary exports to Brunei include seafood and rice, while imports are dominated by crude oil and chemicals. In the first five months of 2025, bilateral trade reached 225.5 million USD. Brunei ranks 28th among foreign investors in Viet Nam, with 153 active projects in operation. Cooperation in defence, security, the halal industry, education, culture, and people-to-people exchange has continued to grow. The two countries also maintain close alignment at regional and international forums.

In the context of the flourishing comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and Brunei, the tate visit to Viet Nam by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is expected to further strengthen political trust, advance cooperation in diverse areas, including politics, diplomacy, defence, security, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchange. It offers both sides an opportunity to share viewpoints on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea/South China Sea issue, build a united ASEAN, strengthen intra-bloc cooperation, enhance ASEAN’s central role in addressing strategic issues in the region, further stepping up cooperation at the United Nations, and tapping into opportunities and potential arising from the free trade agreements in which both countries participate.

In welcoming the state visit by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Viet Nam reiterates its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations; and its proactive, active comprehensive integration into the global community. Viet Nam has reaffirmed its consistent foreign policy of always prioritising the development of relations with ASEAN member states, including Brunei, one of Viet Nam’s important partners. The success of the visit will contribute to strengthening and effectively advancing the cooperation agreements reached between the high-level leaders of the two countries.

May the state visit to Viet Nam by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah every success, opening further gateways for cooperation between Viet Nam and Brunei, deepening bilateral relations in an increasingly substantive and effective manner, and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and around the world.