The summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is currently underway in the Russian resort city of Sochi. ASEAN comprises the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Russia is a dialogue partner of the organization.
"I am pleased that we have established close bilateral contacts, and we hope that we will be able to boost them in the areas of energy, trade and defense," Bolkiah said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit.
He added that during the ASEAN summit Russia and Brunei would sign two agreements, in particular a memorandum of understanding in the areas of defense and culture.
The monarch also noted that it was important "to ensure the implementation of the agreement on easing the visa regime," which would promote the development of tourism between the two countries.
