His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ended his official visit to the Netherlands yesterday.

Prior to His Majesty's departure to Schiphol airport yesterday afternoon, a doa ceremony was held at Okura Hotel, Amsterdam.

During a luncheon hosted by the Queen of Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, in honour of His Majesty's official visit, she highlighted the close relations shared between both countries.

The Queen stated that the distance, which separates both Brunei and Netherlands, is less and less of an obstacle to those ties.

"On the contrary, contacts between both countries are becoming closer.

"One reason for this development is the need to confront issues which can only be resolved by cooperation between all the members of the world community," said Her Majesty Queen Beatrix.

After the luncheon on the second day of His Majesty's official visit to the Netherlands, His Majesty proceeded to meet the Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, at his official residence in Catshuis.

The meeting with the Prime Minister was aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between both countries since it established diplomatic relations in 1984.

On Wednesday, His Majesty visited the Royal Dutch Shell Headquarters in the Hague to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the partnership between His Majesty's Government and Royal Dutch Shell. - Borneo Bulletin (15th January 2011)