His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam departed Bali late yesterday afternoon following the closing of the 19th Asean Summit and related Summits, which saw issues on economic crisis, trade liberalisation, South China Sea disputes and Myanmar's presidency in 2014 taking centre stage amongst the 10-member regional grouping throughout the November 17 to 19 summit.

The leaders of the regional group are forging a regional trade bloc and envisioned a single regional economic community by 2015, amidst its desire to craft for much greater linkups with its dialogue partners (Japan, China and South Korea), renewed trade and economic partnership, as well as social and security cooperation with India.

Asean had also welcomed participation of US and Russia to strengthen its positive involvement in the Asia-Pacific as well as for the recovery of global economic crisis and resilient economic growth and peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region.

The Asean Chairmanship will go to Cambodia in 2012, whereas Brunei Darussalam would take the Asean chair in 2013.

At the conclusion day of the summit yesterday, His Majesty joined other Asean leaders at the Closing Ceremony of the 19th Asean Summit.

Also attending the closing ceremony were Pehin OKLS Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office; and Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and other senior officials.

His Majesty departed Bali after attending the 19th Asean Summit and its Related Summits.

Before departing, a doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Present to bid farewell at NgurahRai Airport were Dr Haji Salim Segaf Al-Jufrie, the Minister of Social; and Senior Officials from the Republic of Indonesia.

Also present at the airport were Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Indonesia, and officials from the Brunei Embassy in Indonesia. - Borneo Bulletin (20th Novempber 2011)