New Delhi: The 8th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Brunei were held in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday when leaders reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), MEA, and Penigran Norhashimah binti Pengiran Mohd Hassan, Permanent Secretary, MoFA, Brunei Darussalam, co-chaired the meeting.

"The two sides reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation including in trade, commerce, investments, defence and space," read the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

"They also agreed to explore collaborations in ICT, agriculture, health & pharma, maritime, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Views were also exchanged on regional and international issues of mutual interest," read the statement.

It was also agreed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 and strengthen high-level exchanges.

The two sides will also conclude at an early date, the MoUs under discussion.

Secretary (East) also called on Dato Pengiran Shamhary, Minister of Transport & Info-Communications, Dato Amin Liew, Minister at PMO and Second Minister of Finance & Economy, and Dato Haji Erywan, Minister of Foreign Affairs II.

The next round of consultations will be held at mutually convenient dates in New Delhi.