BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei and Oman have maintained strong cooperation in economic investment in recent years with the setting up of a joint venture between the two countries, the Oman ambassador said.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al-Maskari said the Oman-Brunei Investment Company continues to make the most of business opportunities in both countries to boost economic development.
During a reception to mark Oman’s 49th National Day on Wednesday, the envoy said he is hopeful that the company’s accomplishments will bring a “new era of flourishing cooperation”.
The company was formed in 2009 with both governments holding a 50 per cent stake. The company primarily invests in Oman’s business sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing.
The ambassador added that the third Brunei-Oman Joint Seminar took place in April 2019 in line with the two governments’ aims to manage their oil-generated revenues and achieve economic sustainability.
He said defence cooperation has also grown steadily. Last July, the commander of Royal Brunei Land Force paid a working visit to Oman.
“Both countries’ armed forces regularly participate in command and staff courses and other military events and trainings in Oman and Brunei,” he said.
Sheikh Ahmed said activities related to the two countries relations were a result of the bilateral consultative meeting that was established more than two decades ago to strengthen bilateral relations.
A total of 18 sessions of the consultative meeting have taken place, alternating between the two capitals of Bandar Seri Begawan and Muscat and chaired by the Second Minister of Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary General of Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar was present as the guest of honour at the reception that took place at The Empire Brunei.