TEHRAN - Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has said that many countries in the world have great respect for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sultan Bolkiah made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of the Asian sultanate of Brunei, on Saturday.
“Iran is highly respected by many of the world’s countries, including Brunei”, Bolkiah said, adding that the achievements that the Iranian nation have made in various spheres are “commendable”.
He added that Brunei is keen to use Iran’s expertise in various spheres and called for the expansion of ties between the two countries.
The Brunei’s sultan also asked Salehi to deliver his warmest greetings to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In addition, Bolkiah announced that he will pay a visit to Iran at an appropriate time.
Ahmadinejad had already extended an invitation to the Bruneian sultan to visit the country.
Salehi briefed the sultan on Iran’s significant progress in various spheres, adding that the two countries have good relations, which can serve as the cornerstone of further bilateral cooperation.
He also emphasized the need to hold regular talks between Iranian and Bruneian officials in order to explore the potential of the two states.
During a press conference held after the meeting, Salehi said he and other Iranian officials would discuss offering unilateral visa-free entry to Bruneian nationals so that they would be able to visit Iran’s holy sites.
He also thanked the Bruneian officials for their support of Iran’s nuclear program.