His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddien Waddaulah, Sultan And Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam wound up His Majesty’s four-day official visit to Russia with a stop in Saint Petersburg, one of Russia’s important cities. Saint Petersburg was formerly known as Leningrad. The first programme in the City of Saint Petersburg was a working luncheon hosted by its Governor, His Excellency Valentina Matviyenko. The function took place at one of the city’s well known restaurants. Prior to the luncheon, His Majesty and the His Excellency exchanged views of mutual concern.
In the afternoon, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam continued his itinerary by visiting a well-known museum in Saint Petersburg. Upon arrival at the Hermitage Museum, His Majesty was greeted by its Director, Mr. Petrovsky. The museum houses most of Russia’s valuable heritage and treasures. It also has a collection of unique arts. From a collection of 225 paintings in 1974, today the museum has a collection of up to two million pieces including sculptures and traditional costumes. Hermitage Museum which was built in 1842, was open to the public in 1852. At the end of the visit, His Majesty consented to sign the visitors’ book and receive a souvenir from the museum’s director.
While in Saint Petersburg, His Majesty also consented to visit one of the historical places known as Peterhof. His Majesty was welcomed upon arrival by the Director of Peterhof Palace, Mr. Vadim Znamenov. Peterhof Palace was initiated in 1714 by Peter the Great, and the palace was first meant for the Russian Emperor’s residence. Now it becomes a well-known palace and a park museum complex.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddien Waddaulah was invited to watch a ballet at Mariinsky Theatre. St Petersburg produces Russia’s best dancers. His Majesty was welcomed upon arrival by the Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg, His Excellency Sergei Tarasov. Ballet is a culture for the Russians.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam left Saint Petersburg at the end of his four-day official visit to the Russian Federation. Before His Majesty left for the airport, the doa was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
His Majesty’s visit to the Federation of Russia was at the invitation of His Excellency President Putin. The visit is a landmark for the bilateral relations between the two countries, as it was the first official visit since both countries established diplomatic relations. Present at the airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were the Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg, His Excellency Sergei Tarasov and other senior officials. Also at the airport were Brunei Darussalam’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Janin Erih, and the Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Alexander Alexeevich Karchava.
(11th June 2005)
