Mr. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, met his counterpart from Brunei His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah on March 30, 2011 during the State visit of Mr. Viktor Yanukovych, President of Ukraine, to Brunei Darussalam

The Heads of Foreign Ministries of two countries discussed a wide range of current bilateral and international issues.

The Sides were unanimous in the opinion that the State visit of the President of Ukraine to Brunei will restore the positive dynamics of political contacts at the highest level, which foundations were laid by the means of the exchange of visits of leaders of two states in 2004.

The Ministers emphasized the readiness of two states to develop mutually beneficial collaboration in a number of areas of common interest, specifically in energy, agriculture and environmental protection. They agreed to enhance trade, economic and investment cooperation, promote the private sectors of Ukraine and Brunei to hold consultations in order to expand trade relations.

The Sides recognized the importance of further interaction aimed at further development of legal base of bilateral relations. It concerns primarily the need to commence negotiations on bilateral agreements on avoidance of double taxation and cooperation in the sphere of education.

Particular attention was given by the Ukrainian Minister to the upcoming international events in Ukraine, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Chornobyl NPP accident.

Mr. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko invited his colleague from Brunei to visit Ukraine for continuation of fruitful bilateral dialogue.

Later in the day, in the presence of both Heads of States, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Brunei signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and exchanged the notes, introducing the Agreement on Visa-free Travels for the citizens of both countries.