External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Saturday met Sultan of Brunei during his official visit to the Southeast Asian nation and expressed India’s willingness to enhance its energy cooperation with this country.
“India wants to enhance energy cooperation with Brunei... and is looking forward to long term LNG contracts with Brunei,” Mr. Krishna told Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah here.
Brunei has been ranked by Forbes magazine as the fifth richest nation in the world due to its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.
Sultan Bolkiah assured Krishna of increased business ties with India especially in the field of oil and LNG. Sultan Bolkiah is scheduled to visit New Delhi in December.
Brunei would supply LNG to India on a long term basis.
During his visit, first by any Indian External Affairs Minister, Krishna also met his Brunei counterpart princess Hajah Masna and discussed issues of bilateral interests.
Krishna’s visit to Brunei — the country coordinator for India in the ASEAN — comes ahead of the India—ASEAN summit to be held later this year.
