His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, Sunday encouraged the public and private sectors of both countries to further explore opportunities, particularly in the areas of investment and oil and gas activities.
Both leaders expressed this following their bilateral meeting. His Majesty Sunday wound up his State Visit to Qatar.
Upon arrival at the Emiri Hall, His Majesty was welcomed by the Emir of Qatar and Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani. His Majesty was introduced to the delegation of the State of Qatar and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was also introduced to the Brunei delegation.
His Majesty and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani then headed their respective delegations for discussions on ways and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with the existing warm and brotherly relations between Brunei and the State of Qatar. His Majesty also expressed his desire to further develop and strengthen these relations especially in the fields of trade, economy, culture, communication, education, health, tourism and sports.
His Majesty and His Highness also expressed their happiness with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of bilateral consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar by their respective foreign ministers, which was held earlier Sunday morning.
The two leaders also welcomed discussions on the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaties to be held in the near future.
With the hope to enhance existing relations, His Majesty invited the State of Qatar to open up its mission in Bandar Seri Begawan.
His Majesty also expressed his appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for the kind reception and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
His Majesty then proceeded with the four-eye meeting with His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Both leaders continued their discussions on how to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international matters of mutual interest.
After the meeting, His Majesty attended a State Luncheon hosted by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in honour of His Majesty's visit.
Before His Majesty left Doha, a doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani accompanied His Majesty to the Doha International Airport.
Also present to bid farewell to His Majesty were Shiekh Yousof Hussein Kamal, Minister of Finance, Economy and Industry of the State of Qatar and Awang Hj Ali Hassan bin Hj Mohd Salleh, Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Doha, the State of Qatar.
The visit, which was upon the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, marked another milestone in the history of bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the State of Qatar as this was the first State Visit of His Majesty to Qatar since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991.
The State Visit signified the strengthening of relations between Brunei and Qatar. The highlight of the visit was the private meeting between the two leaders in search for closer brotherly relations between the two countries.
- Borneo Bulletin
(18th Apr 2006)
