By Azlan Othman
The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Tan Dzung, and his spouse Madame Tran Thanh Kiem arrived in the country yesterday for a two-day official visit.
Upon arrival, the Vietnamese premier was welcomed by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah.
Also present at the airport was Minister of Communications Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abu Bakar as the minister-in-attendance.
After the national anthems of both countries were played, the Vietnamese premier and wife were introduced to Brunei's cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Commissioner of Police, heads of foreign missions, permanent secretaries and their spouses.
Their Royal Highnesses were also introduced to the Vietnamese delegation.
The Vietnamese premier is leading a top-level delegation comprising Mr Pham Gia Khiem, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Pham Khoi Nguyen, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr Hoang Tuan Anh, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and, Mr Nguyen Quoc Huy, the Vice Chairman of the Government Office.
While in Brunei, the Vietnamese premier will visit Brunei Shell Petroleum's Oil and Gas Discovery Centre in Seria, attend business luncheons, as well as sign agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. These include the exemption of double taxation on incomes and signing deals between Petroleum Brunei and PetroVietnam.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese premier's wife will be visiting Brunei's picturesque water village and the Royal Regalia building in the capital.
- Borneo Bulletin
(16th August 2007)
