His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

During the meeting, His Majesty and Gordon Brown discussed ways to strengthen further the relation and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom, and exchanged views on regional and international matters of interest.

Following this, His Majesty consented to sign the Exchange of Notes between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, concerning the stationing of the British Gurkha Brigade in Brunei Darussalam.

Signing on behalf of the British Government was Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The Exchange of Notes provides for the continuation of the stationing of the British Gurkha Brigade for another five years from September 29, 2009.

Both Governments acknowledged the longstanding defence relationship and intended to further strengthen these ties through fostering cooperation between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the British Gurkha Brigade in areas of mutual interest such as training, disaster and relief operations, and the sharing of professional expertise, including security, on an equitable, and mutually advantageous basis. Towards this end, a Brunei Darussalam-UK Garrison Defence Committee would be established to implement the agreement.

The meeting and the signing ceremony took place at 10 Downing Street. - Borneo Bulletin (25th June 2009)