    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 16, 2002]
    [Pages 2194-2196]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Negara Brunei
    Darussalam
    December 16, 2002

        President Bush and His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal
    Bolkiah, today pledged to reinforce the
    friendship between the peoples of the United States and of Brunei
    Darussalam, and to pursue our common interests of peace, prosperity, and
    stability in Southeast Asia.
        The two leaders recommitted themselves
    to the global war on terror, declaring terrorism a threat to all
    civilized societies and the exploitation of religion to promote violence
    an abomination. President Bush and His Majesty reiterated the importance
    of strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism in a
    comprehensive manner and affirmed the importance of

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    working with multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.
    The two leaders also recognized the importance of promoting tolerance
    and understanding amongst the diverse cultures, societies, and
    religions.
        The President praised Brunei Darussalam's long tradition of
    religious tolerance and cooperation with its neighbors, friends, and
    partners. In the wake of the tragic Bali bombings, the President and His
    Majesty agreed on the need to strengthen
    cooperation to identify and destroy terrorist networks; exchange
    information and intelligence about terrorists and terrorist
    organizations; disrupt the movement of terrorists and the tools of
    terror across international borders; and cut off sources of funding for
    terrorist acts, especially in Southeast Asia. His Majesty welcomed
    President Bush's offer to assist Brunei Darussalam in building its
    capacity to counter terrorism.
        The President welcomed the recent accession of the Government of His
    Majesty the Sultan and Yand Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to the International
    Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. The
    President and His Majesty also look forward to cooperating with other
    ASEAN partners in supporting the proposed regional counterterrorism
    center in Malaysia.
        President Bush expressed appreciation for Brunei Darussalam's
    contribution toward the humanitarian relief efforts and reconstruction
    of Afghanistan. Such contributions demonstrate the compassion of the
    Government and people of Brunei in its commitment to build a peaceful,
    prosperous Afghanistan.
        The President and His Majesty welcomed
    the growing, mutually beneficial bilateral defense relationship between
    the United States and Brunei Darussalam, and reaffirmed their desire to
    see such cooperation increase.
        The two leaders agreed on the importance
    of a strong and united ASEAN, and President Bush offered all appropriate
    assistance to support capacity-building within ASEAN. President Bush
    praised Brunei Darussalam's strong leadership role in ASEAN in recent
    years, and reaffirmed our commitment to expand U.S. engagement with
    ASEAN as a pillar of stability in Southeast Asia. The two leaders agreed
    on the importance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and APEC in
    promoting regional stability and prosperity. The President welcomed
    Brunei Darussalam's support for our Secure Trade in the APEC Region, or
    ``STAR,'' initiative, aimed at transforming the movement of goods and
    people to increase both security and economic competitiveness. The
    President pledged to work with the Government of Brunei Darussalam to
    assist Brunei Darussalam in building its own capacity to provide
    increased border and customs security and efficiency.
        His Majesty welcomed President Bush's
    Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative, or ``EAI,'' as an initiative designed
    to promote increased investment, economic growth, and free trade between
    the United States and ASEAN countries. The President and His Majesty
    welcomed the signing of a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework
    Agreement (TIFA). This TIFA will provide the foundation for increased
    trade and economic cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the United
    States as both economies adapt to the economic challenges of the 21st
    century. The two sides agreed to coordinate their efforts bilaterally,
    regionally, and multilaterally, including working together to complete
    successfully the Doha Development Agenda.
        To further deepen understanding between our two nations, the
    President and His Majesty have pledged to
    increase educational opportunities for Bruneian students, government
    officials, and other professionals to study and train in the United
    States. Toward this end, the President announced the establishment of a
    Fulbright Program in Brunei.

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        The President and His Majesty also
    reiterated their mutual commitment to advance the rule of law and to
    promote respect for human rights, including freedom of religion, as
    enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and cherished by
    the people of both the United States and Brunei Darussalam.

     Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.