Korea, Brunei to Expand Energy Cooperation

Leaders of South Korea and Brunei agreed Monday to expand their partnership from the energy industry to patents, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

At a summit in the Brunei capital Bandar Seri Begawan, President Moon Jae-in thanked Brunei for backing his signature New Southern Policy, aimed at boosting ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Moon also thanked Brunei for inviting South Korean builders and shipbuilders to bid on infrastructure projects.

"I am expressing my sincere appreciation for your determination to help South Korean companies win contracts to construct the cross-sea Temburong Bridge," Moon said at the start of his summit with Brunei's monarch Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, according to press pool reports.

Temburong District, Brunei's easternmost territory, is separated from the rest of the country by Limbang, Malaysia. The bridge is being jointly built by South Korean builder Daelim and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

"Thanks for your warm hospitality. I am just happy to visit here as my first overseas visit this year," Moon said. "Thirty-five years ago, we established diplomatic relations. Since then, our relationship is becoming much better in various areas from infrastructure to energy."

The South Korean leader arrived in the Southeast Asian country on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit. In response, Brunei's leader said Moon's visit would be a huge plus on various issues to expand both countries' mutual interests further.

Brunei is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Under the New Southern Policy...