BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access and stronger international action towards a lasting two-state solution, according to the Borneo Bulletin.
Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen reaffirmed Brunei’s support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he also attended the annual coordination meeting of foreign ministers from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
At the OIC meeting, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen stressed the importance of coordinated diplomacy and stronger engagement at the United Nations, particularly on Palestine. He also called for international law to be upheld, Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected and civilians to be protected.
At the Global Alliance meeting, he urged concrete international action to preserve Palestinian territorial integrity and move the two-state solution forward.
Prince ‘Abdul Mateen also held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of UNGA.
He met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, with discussions covering preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 2026 and Brunei’s continued engagement with Commonwealth member states.
Talks with Oman Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi focused on strengthening longstanding bilateral ties and exploring further cooperation.
Prince ‘Abdul Mateen also met UNGA president Dr Khalilur Rahman, reaffirming Brunei’s commitment to working closely with him during his presidency and discussing ongoing UN reform.
In separate meetings with Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Iran Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional developments and wider international issues.
His meeting with Lavrov also touched on the 35th anniversary of Brunei-Russia diplomatic relations, ASEAN-Russia ties and the importance of ASEAN centrality.
