Brunei, Russian navy to strengthen defence ties

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN) - The first Navy Staff Talks (NST) between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the Russian Navy were held at the Naval Training Centre (NTC), Muara Naval Base, from November 13-17.

The RBN delegation was led by Commandant Naval Training of RBN Commander Khairil bin Haji Abdul Rahman while the Russian Navy delegation was represented by Chief of International Military Cooperation, Russian Navy Captain 1st Rank Sergei Vavilov.

Representatives from Corporate and Legal Unit and the Directorate of Defence Policy from the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), Brunei Darussalam were also present.

Fleet Commander RBN Captain Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman noted the warm relationship between the two navies through significant activities undertaken by both sides in the recent times. The Russian Navy delegation also expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome received in the country.

The five-day meeting explored more opportunities for defence cooperation between RBN and the Russian Navy to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Russian Navy delegation also visited cultural and historical sites such as the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum in Kota Batu, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Museum in Bolkiah Garrison, a boat tour around Kampong Ayer, Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The 2nd NST is scheduled to be held in St Petersburg, Russian Federation during the second half of 2019.

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