His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday attended the Opening Ceremony and Executive Sessions of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Western Australia.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, His Majesty yesterday morning consented to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Perth, Australia.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The theme for this year's meeting is "Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience".

The opening ceremony was officiated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and attended by other Commonwealth Heads of Government. After the Opening Ceremony, His Majesty consented to join other leaders for an official group photograph with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Also attending the opening ceremony were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, Speaker of the Legislative Council; Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office; Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and, other senior officials.

After the opening ceremony, His Majesty consented to attend the Executive Session I, which was chaired by the Prime Minister of Australia. During the session, the Commonwealth leaders reviewed global and commonwealth developments, where they discuss on ways to revitalise the Commonwealth's development priorities in order to ensure that it meets the development needs of member states today and in the future.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty consented to attend the Executive Session II of the Meeting. During the session, the Heads of Government discussed this year's theme "Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience", where they emphasised the importance of greater cooperation among members and encouraged active participation at all levels towards building peace and sustainability.

The leaders also discussed and considered the report by the Eminent Persons Group led by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, entitled "A Commonwealth for the People; Time for Urgent Reform".

The report underlined recommendations for the reform of the Commonwealth to ensure that it is a more effective institution, responsive to members needs, and capable of tackling the significant global challenges of the 21st century.

The leaders also deliberated on how to work together and with global partners to secure the global economic recovery and ensure a stronger, more sustainable and balanced global economic system that will benefit all Commonwealth countries. During the session, the Heads of Government also agreed to promote, uphold, preserve and defend the fundamental values, principles and aspirations of the Commonwealth.

Accompanying His Majesty at the Executive Sessions were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office; Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and, other senior officials.

His Majesty also consented to attend a banquet dinner yesterday hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in honour of the Commonwealth Heads of Government and their spouses.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The banquet was held at the Golden Ballroom, Pan Pacific Perth Hotel. - Borneo Bulletin (29th Octopber 2011)