His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin for the warm welcome and to the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and people of Kazan for their generous hospitality. His Majesty made a titah while attending the First Plenary Session of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, which was held at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre.
In a titah, His Majesty also expressed sincere condolences to His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Kingdom of Thailand.
Reflecting on the evolution of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership over the past thirty-five years, alongside the significant changes that have shaped both the region and the wider world, His Majesty highlighted that this partnership has proven resilient and increasingly vital in navigating global transformations. In addition, ASEAN-Russia cooperation has significantly strengthened across all three ASEAN Community pillars, demonstrating Russia's strong commitment to ASEAN's regional efforts and shared goals of peace, security and prosperity.
Furthermore, His Majesty highlighted that through collaboration, the partnership has delivered tangible benefits and fostered strong friendships between the peoples of both regions.
As ASEAN pursues its Vision 2045, it faces a challenging world marked by political tensions, economic divisions, climate challenges and rapid technological progress. Hence, His Majesty underscored that ASEAN-Russia cooperation will remain vital for strengthening collective resilience and advancing peace, stability and prosperity in areas where it can make a meaningful impact, including energy and food security, climate action, disaster management and non-traditional security challenges.
Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
At the First Plenary Session, His Majesty emphasised that at the heart of these efforts are the people, and that through education, exchanges and training, future generations must be equipped with the skills and networks needed to strengthen the partnership. Ultimately, ASEAN-Russia relations will be measured by the actual benefits delivered to the peoples. Lastly, His Majesty welcomed the Kazan Declaration 2026, which reaffirms the commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership. To this end, His Majesty expressed confidence that as both sides chart the next thirty-five years, they will draw on the trust and cooperation developed over time to successfully navigate future challenges.
