AMBASSADOR TODD OUTLINES AGENDA WITH SULTAN OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000259 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDED ADDRESSEE) SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/PD, OIC/CUMBER E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2018 TAGS: PGOV PINR PM PREL EDU BX SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR TODD OUTLINES AGENDA WITH SULTAN OF BRUNEI AND BRUNEI'S FOREIGN MINISTER BANDAR SER 00000259 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: AMBASSADOR TODD FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d) 1 (C) SUMMARY: On September 15, 2008, Ambassador Todd presented his credentials to His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei. The Sultan and Ambassador Todd met afterwards in a meeting that moved the policy agenda beyond the normal niceties expected at a credentialing ceremony. The Ambassador shared his thoughts on increased cooperation between Brunei and the United States, his lengthy experience in Washington, possible visits of the Sultan and Crown Prince to the US, and increasing educational exchanges. The Sultan was especially interested in educational exchanges (including the military academies) and possible visits to the U.S. Ambassador Todd also met with Prince Mohamed, the Foreign Minister, prior to his ceremony with the Sultan. Their discussion focused improving efficiency in the Brunei government and on Ambassador Todd,s desire to enhance economic cooperation. END SUMMARY. MOVING BEYOND FORM -------------- ¶2. (C) While the pomp and circumstance of Ambassador Todd,s credentialing ceremony was impressive, his meeting with the Sultan was able to move the policy discussion beyond the traditional meet and greet. While the Bruneians appreciated Ambassador Todd,s attention to detail during the credentialing ceremony, it was the focused nature of his conversation with the Sultan that received immediate kudos from GoB officials who were present. Ambassador Todd weaved in a number of key issue points, while still allowing the Sultan to get a better sense of both his policy background and his years of Washington experience. The Sultan concurred with Ambassador Todd that enhanced educational exchanges were important. He noted that he supports the Ministry of Education's efforts to increase scholarships and other opportunities for Brunei's students to study in the US. Ambassador Todd was able to provide a high level of personal detail in describing how Brunei's two students at West Point and the Air Force Academy are faring in their studies and adjustment to life at a service academy. The Sultan seemed especially pleased (and amused) to learn that the Air Force cadet has lost a considerable amount of weight. The Sultan was keen on the idea of future visits to the US. These would incorporate visits to various US military bases, including Fort Bragg, SOUTHCOM, and PACCOM. The Sultan was pleased to hear that Ambassador Todd has already spoken with military leaders in advance of a possible visit. NEED FOR FOCUS -------------- ¶3. (C) During the Ambassador's meeting with His Royal Highness, Prince Mohamed, it because clear that the Prince believed the Brunei government needs more focus and efficiency. He talked at length with Ambassador Todd about the inefficient nature of many departments. Ambassador Todd noted he was very impressed with the efforts of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). BEDB is currently working to tender a number of contracts that normally fall under the various Ministries and they are bringing private sector methods into the process. Ambassador Todd emphasized that he has a long service record in Washington and he looks forward to working with the Foreign Ministry directly. Ambassador emphasized that he will do everything he can to assist US businesses in increasing economic ties with Brunei. Prince Mohamed also offered his appreciation for Special Envoy Cumber,s recent visit to Brunei. AMBASSADOR'S COMMENT -------------- ¶4. (C) The meeting with His Majesty, the Sultan, allowed the Embassy to move beyond form and function. The same can be said for the meeting with Prince Mohamed. What was readily apparent was that the Sultan deeply values the U.S friendship and wants to build on it. He also respects those who provide him with unbiased and timely information, as we were able to do in our meetings. Following the ceremony, the French Ambassador noted that the only reason he and the other two Ambassadors who were at the credentialing ceremony were given more than a few moments was due to the U.S. influence on the process and our wish to have substantive talks. Since then, we have received numerous compliments both from within the Palace, within the Ministries, and from others in the Diplomatic Corps, about how well our meetings went and the level of interaction we had with both His Majesty and Prince Mohamed. We are already building on that rapport. TODD