Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong and Deputy President of the Supreme Court Lord Patrick Hodge
1. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom extended an invitation to The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Brunei Darussalam to attend the Opening of the Legal Year in London on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
2. In conjunction with this invitation, a meeting was held between The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Brunei Darussalam and The Right Honourable Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on Thursday 2 October 2025.
3. This reciprocates an official visit to Brunei Darussalam by The Right Honourable Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in February 2025.
4. During the meeting, both parties affirmed their commitment to international cooperation and the rule of law internationally. They held constructive discussions on matters of mutual interest concerning judicial cooperation and the promotion of the rule of law and underscored the importance of maintaining an independent judiciary as a cornerstone of justice, fairness and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
5. Both parties expressed their strong support for mutual cooperation between their courts to promote understanding and friendship between the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, with the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council serving as the final court of appeal for civil matters in Brunei Darussalam.
6. They acknowledged that the invitation of Lord Hodge to Brunei Darussalam and the invitation of the Chief Justice to the United Kingdom were arranged to foster closer relations and looked forward to further fruitful cooperation in the promotion of the rule of law, justice and economic prosperity internationally.
7. Both parties welcomed opportunities to share ideas and best practices, including through future judicial visits, computer-facilitated meetings and other collaborative activities. They agreed to explore avenues to strengthen institutional linkages and professional exchanges aimed at supporting the rule of law and enhancing judicial cooperation between their institutions.
8. The Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for their warm friendship and constructive engagement and looked forward to continued dialogue and more forms of collaboration in the years ahead.
