By Azrol Azmi
The Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, arrived yesterday afternoon at the Brunei International Airport to begin his three-day official visit to the Sultanate.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, greeted the premier upon arrival at the airport.
The visiting Lao prime minister, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, was introduced to Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, in his capacity as the Minister in Attendance.
Later, the premier and HRH Prince Mohamed stood on a special dais for the presentation of the national anthems of both countries by the Royal Brunei Armed Force band.
The Lao prime minister then inspected a guard of honour mounted by personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force.
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh was later introduced to Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Heads of Foreign Missions in Brunei Darussalam, Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
During the official visit, the Lao premier and his delegates will be received in audience by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The delegation will also visit the Rimba 1 primary school, Royal Regalia, BLNG head office in Seria and attend an official banquet at the Istana Nurul Iman.
(31st January 2007)
