the territory of limbang has been an ongoing bilateral issue between brunei and malaysia as part of its joint land demarcation efforts. it was dubiously and dishonestly reported that in 2009, a solution "was achieved between the two governments, when brunei dropped all claims to limbang, thus recognising it as a malaysian territory". however, these reports were dismissed by brunei's former second minister of foreign affairs and trade on 18 march 2009, who clarified that the claim on limbang was never discussed [with malaysia]. what was discussed between both countries, was the demarcation of land boundaries on the whole. brunei is also one of many nations to lay claim to the disputed spratly islands. several small islands situated between brunei and labuan, malaysia, including kuraman island, are contested between brunei and malaysia. however, they are internationally recognised as part of the latter.