His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah has been speaking of the close, wide ranging cooperative relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia.
His Majesty was speaking at a state banquet in honour of the visiting President of Indonesia, His Excellency Dato Laila Utama Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and wife, Datin Hajah Ani Bambang Yudhoyono.
His Majesty said these ties went beyond the normal relations as they work closely in regional and international forums and share the same religious belief, culture and language. These are strong bases which can identify and further enhanced existing cooperation in various fields. According to His Majesty, trade relations between both countries are progressing smoothly, and the Monarch is confident that both nations have bright opportunities and future to further enhanced the cooperation to be even more beneficial.
In this regard, His Majesty welcome offers by the Chambers of Commerce of both countries in continuing to enhance relations which will help create new trade and investment opportunities. In the field of education, cooperation between the two countries is not only at the technical and vocational levels, but has been broaden to higher studies.
Presently, there are a number of lecturers from Indonesia serving with the Universiti Brunei Darussalam and several other higher learning institutions. His Majesty is happy to note that Indonesian students are interested in furthering their studies at the UBD and that there are those who have attained excellent success. His Majesty is confident that the cooperation in education will bring many benefits.
Likewise, His Majesty also believes cooperation in the field of defence contributes much to the peace and stability of this region. Military personnel of both countries’ are active in holding joint exercises, with the aim of sharing experiences and skills. In His Majesty’s view, the close relation such as this needs to be continued.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam expressed confidence that under the President’s leadership, Indonesia will achieve its aspirations in economic and social reforms. The Monarch also expressed his appreciation on the contribution of some thirty six thousand Indonesians working in Brunei Darussalam.
Turning to Aceh, His Majesty said the tsunami and earthquake which hit the province are still fresh in minds. Brunei Darussalam said His Majesty will also continue to give support and cooperation throughout its involvement in the Aceh monitoring mission to ensure the smooth running of the peace process.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia in his reply expressed his deep appreciation of the mutual relations which have grown steadily, especially pertaining to the assistance rendered by Brunei Darussalam to Aceh. His Excellency went on to say that relations between both countries have widened in various fields. These include in the areas of education, defence and trade.
The banquet took place last night at the Istana Nurul Iman. His Excellency Dato Laila Utama Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and wife, Datin Hajah Ani Bambang Yudhoyono were welcomed at the Palace by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar binti Hakim Mazhar.
Before proceeding to the banquet hall, Their Majesties and Yang Teramat Mulia granted an audience to His Excellency and wife. Present at the audience were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen. Also gracing the banquet were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
Doa selamat to bless the ceremony was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz.
(28th Feb 2006)
