[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 51 (Monday, December 23, 2002)]
[Pages 2169-2170]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.

[[Page 2170]]

    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.
    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.