By Hj Mohd Said Arshad
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday granted an audience to Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Laos People's Democratic Republic.
Her Majesty also granted an audience to Bounkongmany Lengsavad, the spouse of the Laotian Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both audiences were held at Istana Nurul Iman.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Mr Somsavat Lengsavad yesterday took part in the inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation between Brunei and Laos People's Democractic Republic.
It was held at Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan.
They discussed matters of bilateral interest and ways of enhancing various cooperation between the two countries. Later His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah hosted a luncheon for the Laotian visitors.
Also present at the luncheon were HRH Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and YAM Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abdul Aziz.
In the afternoon, HRH Prince Mohamed and Mr Lengsavad signed the Agreed Minutes of the Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation between Brunei and Lao PDR.
They also signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income (and on capital). The agreement will enhance economic cooperation between Brunei and Lao PDR.
- Borneo Bulletin
(23rd Apr 2006)
