Brunei FM pushes Gaza ceasefire, Palestinian state at UN meetings

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen called for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and stronger international action toward a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders during UN meetings in New York.

Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, Prince Abdul Mateen reaffirmed Brunei’s support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Borneo Bulletin. The remarks came during the 81st UN General Assembly session, where he also attended the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting.

At the OIC gathering, he stressed coordinated diplomacy at the UN, upholding international law, and protecting civilians while calling for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Global Alliance meeting saw him urge concrete steps to preserve Palestinian territory and advance the two-state solution.

Prince Abdul Mateen also held bilateral talks with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, focusing on preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Discussions with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi centered on strengthening bilateral ties, while meetings with UNGA President Dr. Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to UN reform.

Separate talks with Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan, Iran’s Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov covered bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and broader international issues. The meeting with Lavrov also marked the 35th anniversary of Brunei-Russia diplomatic relations and discussed ASEAN-Russia ties.

Brunei’s diplomatic push aligns with Malaysia’s long-standing support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian access, reinforcing regional diplomatic unity on the issue.