His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, this afternoon, received in audience, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
During the Audience Ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Excellency discussed on enhancing cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the IsDB, particularly through the Country Engagement Framework (CEF).
Discussions focused on expanding partnership opportunities in Islamic finance; capacity building; efforts to strengthen food security; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development as well as initiatives supporting economic diversification to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035. This year, 2026 also marks 40 years of relations and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and IsDB, since Brunei Darussalam became a member in 1986.
Accompanying His Excellency during the audience were Datuk Amer Bukvic, Head of the IsDB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur and Mr. Samer Elsawi, Director of the IsDB Regional Hub in Jakarta.
Also present at the audience was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Second Minister of Finance.
His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser is in Brunei Darussalam to witness the launching of the Country Engagement Framework (CEF) for Brunei Darussalam. The CEF is an outcome based on cooperation areas that have been identified through the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on 28 August 2024. The CEF is a medium-term strategic framework between Brunei Darussalam and the IsDB that will guide cooperation in identified sectors to support efforts in advancing Brunei’s socio-economic development by focusing on expanding collaborative opportunities in Islamic finance, capacity building, and other areas in support of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
The Audience Ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Commonwealth Drive
Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei Darussalam
24 Rabiulakhir 1448
6th October 2026
