[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

[[Page 2195]]

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.

[[Page 2196]]

    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.