His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah left Washington, DC and safely arrived in New York to attend the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah are HRH Prince 'Abdul Muntaqim and HRH Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah.

Before leaving the hotel, a prayer was recited by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Hamidon bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Abdul Hamid.

Present at the Washington Dulles International Airport to bid farewell were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Haji Abd Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office, and Dato Paduka Haji Yussof bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Brunei Darussalam's Ambassador to the United States, as well as officers of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in the United States.

On arrival at the John F Kennedy International Airport, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah were greeted by Latif bin Tuah, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations in New York.

The General Debate for the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly began on September 21, 2011 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Also accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is Prince Abdul Qawi.

Earlier, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince visited the Department of Treasury and the Department of State on the second day of the official visit in Washington, DC.

During the official visit, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince first went to the Department of Treasury for a meeting with Ms Lael Brainard, Undersecretary for International Affairs, Department of Treasury.

During the meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Ms Lael Brainard discussed issues on bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States, particularly regarding cooperation in the area of economy and finance, as well as exchanged views on regional and international matters.

After the meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to visit the Department of State. The visit began with a luncheon hosted by Mr Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State.

During the luncheon, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Mr Kurt Campbell expressed satisfaction on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States, particularly with the launching of the Annual Senior Officials Brunei-US Dialogue during this official visit.

The first senior officials dialogue released a joint statement, which highlighted the bilateral relations in various areas including education, defence, military, maritime, disaster management, trade and others. The luncheon was followed by a tour of the Department of State.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then had a meeting with Mr William J Burns, Deputy Secretary of State. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on the warm and friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States, discussed ways to enhance the relationship, and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince during the official visit was Prince Abdul Qawi.

Also accompanying were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, and Dato Paduka Haji Yussof bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Brunei Darussalam's Ambassador to the United States. - Borneo Bulletin (22nd September 2011)