Several new proposals in economics and trade beneficial to both countries have been raised in the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Wan Azizah said it was aimed at creating stronger cooperation between the chambers of commerce of the two countries.

“It is a continuous effort between the new government of Malaysia in strengthening the bilateral relations to a higher and more strategic level,” she told a media conference with Malaysian journalists in the Brunei capital last night.

Yesterday was the first day of Wan Azizah’s official two-day visit to Brunei, one of the introductory visits to Asean countries.

She said her meeting with the Sultan of Brunei had been enhanced further by the policies of Malaysia under the Pakatan Harapan government.

She said she shared the views of the sultan that relations between Malaysia and Brunei were now at the best level.

“He mentioned the close ties with the prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) and would meet him at the 22nd Annual Leaders’ Consultations on March 5 in Putrajaya,” she said.

Wan Azizah said they also touched on regional issues and spoke on the role of Malaysia in assisting Rohingya refugees.

She said among them was the humanitarian activities at the Malaysian field hospital in the refugees camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

In her meeting with Brunei's Youth and Sports Minister Maj-Gen (Rtd) Aminuddin Ihsan Abidin, who is also responsible for women, family and community, Wan Azizah said the discussions were focused on boosting women and youth cooperation between the two countries.

She said proposals to improve cooperation in social protection were also raised in the talk.

"We also exchanged views on the best practice on policies to assist senior citizens and people in an ageing population.

"This included efforts which have and can be implemented to assist in preparing women to join the labour market,” she said.

Wan Azizah said she offered cooperation from Malaysia to assist Brunei in rehabilitating groups with special needs, as well as efforts to combat cybercrime, especially to protect children.

- Bernama