His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi discussed ways and means to further enhance bilateral cooperation and addressed matters of mutual interest during the 12th annual leaders' consultation yesterday at the Pulai Springs Resort in Johor, Malaysia.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They further highlighted the need for both countries to continue working together in facilitating and creating a more conducive environment, especially for the business communities of Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak.

His Majesty arrived in Johor yesterday afternoon.

Present at the Sultan Ismail International Airport to greet His Majesty were His Royal Highness Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar, the Tunku Mahkota of Johor; Dato Hj Abdul Ghani bin Othman, Chief Minister of Johor; Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dato' Shahrir bin Abdul Samad, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs as the minister-in-attendance; Dato' Abdul Latiff Yusof, Johor State Secretary and Datuk Ku Jaafar bin Ku Shaari, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present at the airport to welcome His Majesty were officials of the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Malaysia.

After His Majesty was introduced to the Malaysian dignitaries, His Majesty received a static guard of honour mounted by officers of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces. A doa was then read by Datuk As-Sheikh Hj Noh, the Johor State Mufti.

Upon arrival at the Pulai Springs Resort, where His Majesty is staying throughout the visit, His Majesty was greeted by Dato' Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia; Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak and Dato' Seri Musa Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah.

Later in the day, His Majesty joined the Malaysian premier for high tea. Also present were His Royal Highness Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar, the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, and several Cabinet Ministers and officials from both sides.

Later in the evening, His Majesty attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia in honour of His Majesty's visit at the Pulai Springs Resort. - Borneo Bulletin (27th August 2008)