As the United States' strong and enduring commitment to its partners in Southeast Asia, Mr. Michael George DeSombre, U.S Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, visited the country.

During the visit, Mr. DeSombre held bilateral meetings with Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof; Second Minister of Foreign Affairs; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Second Minister of Finance, and Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications to discuss priority issues in bilateral relations, including economic and security initiatives, as well as greater regional cooperation.

He also engaged with members of the business community in Brunei to explore opportunities to enhance the commercial and economic partnership. Prior to departing Brunei, Mr. DeSombre also met with Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office for Security and Law and Director of Internal Security Department and Retired Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence to discuss security cooperation and shared strategic interests in the region. The visit is a historic milestone that further strengthens bilateral ties between the two nations.