NEW DELHI, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for respecting the international maritime treaty – the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – on his visit to Brunei.
In a reference to the territorial issues in the South China Sea region, Modi – in his remarks at the banquet hosted by Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – said "a code of conduct" is needed.
"Brunei is an important partner in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India has always given priority to ASEAN centrality and will continue to do so. We support freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws like UNCLOS," he said.
"We agree that a code of conduct should be finalised in this region. We support the policy of development and not expansionism," said Modi.
An India-Brunei joint statement highlighted the peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law.
"Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," it said.
India and Brunei have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of an "enhanced partnership".
Modi's visit was the first bilateral visit by an Indian head of government to Brunei.
The talks between Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Modi on Wednesday covered cooperation in areas such as trade, food security, defence, education, energy, space technology and health.
"We had comprehensive talks on various aspects of our ties to give a strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in economic, scientific, and strategic sectors," Modi said at the banquet.
Brunei and India also agreed on enhanced cooperation at multilateral platforms such as ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
India and Brunei are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
The two countries discussed long-term cooperation in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) to grow their energy ties.
To enhance travel, direct flights between Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan and the southern Indian city of Chennai will be launched soon.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Shamhary Pengiran Dato Mustapha for cooperation in the operation of telemetry, tracking and telecommand stations for satellite and launch vehicles.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) maintains the station in Brunei to support its activities.
On the first day of his two-day trip, Modi on Tuesday visited the landmark Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.
About 14,500 Indians live and work in Brunei.
-- BERNAMA
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