His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office made a courtesy call on David Johnston, Governor General of Canada at the Government House, Ottawa, Canada on Friday.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince during Friday's official visit was Prince Abdul Qawi. Also accompanying were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awg Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II and Rakiah Haji Abd Lamit, Brunei Darussalam's High Commissioner to Canada.

On arrival at the Government House, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Mr Stephen Wallace, Secretary to the Governor General.

During the courtesy call, both sides expressed satisfaction on the warm and friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and Canada, discussed ways to enhance this relationship, and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern.

Prior to the courtesy call, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to attend a meeting with John Baird, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada.

On arrival at the department, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Ms Sonya Thissen, Associate Chief of Protocol, Canada.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and John Baird discussed issues on bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Canada, particularly regarding cooperation in the areas of education and economy, and exchanged views on regional and international matters.

Following the meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attended a luncheon hosted by John Baird.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established since 1984 in which Brunei Darussalam had opened its High Commission in Ottawa in 1995 and Canada had set up its Mission in Bandar Seri Begawan in 1996. Bilateral cooperation with Canada covers trade, communications, defence and education. In 2010, trade between Brunei Darussalam and Canada amounted to more than 10 million dollars.

Earlier during the day, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had also visited the Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

On arrival at the university, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Dr Roseann Runte, President of Carleton University, as well as Bruneian students studying at the university.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had a tour of the Biomedical Laboratory Facilities, and the Athletic Facilities and Sports Medicine Clinic and was given a presentation on the functions and roles of those facilities.

Carleton University was founded in 1942 and offers over 65 programmes in a diverse range of disciplines. In 2010, the Times World University Rankings ranked Carleton University the 10th best university in Canada. There are three Bruneian students studying at the university at the moment.

On a separate programme, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman visited the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, Ottawa, Canada.

On arrival at the museum, Her Royal Highness was greeted by Mr Mark O'Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilisation Corporation.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness was given a tour of the museum which exhibited Canadian history. Before leaving the museum, Her Royal Highness consented to sign the visitor's book and was presented with a souvenir. - Borneo Bulletin (18th September 2011)