His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, as the Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah attended the General Debate of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, Monday.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince delivered a statement and highlighted the address by His Majesty to the General Assembly in 1984 on Brunei Darussalam's commitment towards mutual respect for territorial integrity and the principles of dialogue and negotiation in disputes settlement.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince outlined the various challenges of the new century from political, physical, economic to sustainable development. His Royal Highness reiterated Brunei's support to the work of the United Nations, including those institutions which Brunei is a member in addressing these challenges.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expressed support for the idea of successful mediation which has always been a cherished objective of the United Nations.

His Royal Highness, however, said that mediation could not be successful unless involved parties shared common ground.

Regarding the situation in Palestine, the Crown Prince said, "... it is our deepest wish that these same sentiments (dialogue, negotiation and final resolution) may soon be expressed to the parties directly involved in efforts to reach a fair and equitable Two-State Solution to the situation in Palestine."

His Royal Highness also acknowledged the guidance by the United Nations especially in the completion of the Millennium Development Goals. The Crown Prince stated that this guidance would help everyone to achieve common ground, which was an immense task for the present and future generations.

In the afternoon, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince held a meeting with Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on the warm and friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States, discussed ways to enhance this relationship, and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern.

His Royal Highness also held a meeting with Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the United Nations Headquarters. Among issues discussed were concerning the United Nations initiatives which are of importance to Brunei Darussalam, as well as regional and international matters.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at the General Debate and meetings was Prince Abdul Qawi. Also present were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II and Latif bin Tuah, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations in New York.

Their Royal Highnesses left New York after attending the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses were 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 John F Kennedy International Airport to bid farewell were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II and Latif bin Tuah, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations in New York, as well as officers of the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Also accompanying Their Royal Highnesses during the departure from New York was Prince Abdul Qawi. - Borneo Bulletin (28th September 2011)