London - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Gordon Brown, yesterday afternoon held a meeting at No 10, Downing Street.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed a wide range of current topics including bilateral relations on education, defence and trade, a press release from the Brunei High Commission in Britain said.

On education, they agreed to offer reciprocal scholarships focused on fostering understanding between different cultures.

His Majesty also took the opportunity to update Prime Minister Gordon Brown on progress to safeguard Borneo's rainforest under the 'Heart of Borneo' initiative and expressed appreciation for the support given by the United Kingdom.

His Majesty also expressed Brunei's Darussalam support for the "Millennium Development Goals Call to Action".

Also present at the meeting were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, and Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Maidin bin Pengiran Haji Hashim, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.