On July 7, Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke by phone with his Brunei counterpart, Minister of Defence II Pehin Halbi. Secretary Esper applauded Brunei’s success containing the COVID-19 outbreak. Both leaders reiterated their support for the strengthening bilateral relationship, particularly our military-to-military cooperation, and discussed a range of regional security issues including the South China Sea. Secretary Esper expressed his support for Brunei as it prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship year in 2021. Finally, both leaders stated that they look forward to seeing each other at the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting – Plus.