MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sultan of Brunei Sir Hassanal Bolkiah spoke about common approaches to regional and international projects at the Tuesday talks in the Kremlin. The two leaders issued a joint statement following the talks. They discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula, in Iraq, the Middle East and Afghanistan. The sides agreed to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and other parts of the world, to counter new challenges and threats and strengthen international security.
According to Vladimir Putin and Sir Hassanal Bolkiah, Russia's accession to the treaty on friendship and cooperation in Southeast Asia will consolidate stability and security in the region and will raise the Russia-ASEAN dialogue to a new level.
The sides pointed to the "importance of the first Russia-ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in late 2005 which will boost relations in the fields of mutual interest."
Russia reaffirmed its striving for participation in the work of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Brunei hailed this intention.
Russia and Brunei "emphasized the importance of strict observation by all states of the existing international agreements in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
Speaking about the development of military-technical cooperation, which meets national interests of both countries, the sides agreed to consolidate trust in this sphere and sign relevant documents in the future.
"The sides agreed to develop mutually beneficial cooperation and encourage contacts in the spheres of science and technologies, culture, education and sports."
Russia and Brunei will continue talks and sign bilateral documents, including agreements on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments, tourism cooperation and simplification of visa regulations.
The sides agreed to promote trade and economic links and investment cooperation, as well as establishment of direct business contacts.
The Sultan of Brunei "thanked the Russian president for the cordial reception and hospitality." He invited Putin to visit Brunei and the latter accepted the invitation with gratitude.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the results of the visit saying that it would promote friendship and many-sided cooperation between Russia and Brunei.
