Zarif Calls for Expansion of Iran-Brunei Ties in All fields
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with the outgoing Brunei ambassador on Monday called for expansion of Iran-Brunei relations in political, economic, and cultural fields.
Zarif appreciated Ambassador Pangran Sihri for the efforts he made during his tenure for the strengthening of bilateral ties.
The Iranian minister also referred to commonalities between the two countries, expressing hope that bilateral relations as well as ties with regional organizations would further improve in the future.
The Bruneian diplomat, for his part, appreciated the Iranian foreign ministry for its all-out support for the expansion of ties, and said that the stage is ready for both sides to give a boost to their relations , especially in the economic fields.
Brunei Darussalam is a tiny country, 5765 square kilometers in area with a small population of 415,000, located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia.
Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984. Thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, it now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. It has developed wealth from extensive oil and natural gas fields.
While oil and gas exports account for the bulk of government revenues, reserves are dwindling and Brunei is attempting to diversify its economy. It markets itself as a financial centre and as a destination for upmarket and eco-tourism.
As an Islamic country, Brunei became a full member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) in January 1984 at the Fourth Islamic Summit held in Morocco.