In his second visit after being elected into office in 2004, Indonesian state leader, President Dato Laila Utama Dr Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono joined His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for an early morning walk at the Tasek Lama Recreational Park in the capital yesterday morning.

In an iconic gesture of Bruneian hospitality, His Majesty greeted the president upon his arrival at the park, where visitors were quick to extend a warm 'good morning' to His Majesty and the visiting president.

His Majesty and President Yudhoyono, as well as His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, as well as His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, were then escorted to a platform stationed just beyond the park's entrance for a quick warm-up.

During the 20-minute brisk walk, the monarch and the president greeted members of the public who were also there to take in the morning atmosphere.

As with a few other state figures who have been to Tasek Lama during state visits, the Indonesian president was given the opportunity to contribute to Brunei's lush greenery.

With His Majesty nearby, the president planted his own Merbujok (jirak) tree as witnessed by dozens of government officials from both countries.

Prior to ending the refreshing morning, His Majesty the Sultan, President Yudhoyono, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah enjoyed breakfast facing the scenic waterfall at the end of Tasek Lama.

They were joined by Indonesia's State Secretariat Minister as well as Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During his stay here, President Yudhoyono witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding carried out by respective country representatives towards enhancing cooperation in the fields of agriculture as well as fisheries.

His Majesty, during a bilateral meeting held at Istana Nurul Iman, also invited Indonesia's National Armed Forces to participate in this year's Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX), the Brunei International Tattoo and Fleet Review in conjunction with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Golden Jubilee.

The Indonesian president, meanwhile, also encouraged the Brunei government to increase investments in various industries in Indonesia such as the prospects of renewable energy. - Borneo Bulletin (26th February 2011)