His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam Tuesday night lauded the signing of a few agreements with the Republic of Turkey and said the visit gave His Majesty the opportunity to discuss various fields of cooperation that can be explored between Brunei Darussalam and Turkey.

His Majesty delivered a titah at the State Banquet at the Presidential Palace hosted by Turkish President Abdullah Gul in honour of His Majesty's State Visit.

"During this visit we have paved the way for greater cooperation with the signing of a few agreements.

"I hope that these agreements will bring us closer together and enhance cooperation between the people of our two countries," said His Majesty.

The monarch said his visit to the historical locations in Istanbul and Ankara touched him deeply and personally.

"For history is the voice of the nation that speaks with its own ability to be eloquent and transparent," His Majesty said. "That is the value of history."

His Majesty, who was scheduled to leave Istanbul last night after concluding a five-day State Visit, visited many historical places such as the Aiya Sofia and the Sultanahmed Mosque in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul during the first few days of the monarch's programme.

In Ankara Tuesday, His Majesty visited the Anitkabir or Kamal Ataturk Mausoleum before heading to the Presidential Palace to meet President Abdullah Gul in an official welcoming ceremony.

In the titah, His Majesty the Sultan also expressed his pleasure over the programme arranged during the monarch's State Visit and said he felt blessed and delighted.

His Majesty also expressed his admiration for the republic's achievements as one of the developed nations in the world.

"This also means that we should applaud the people in this nation for their role in these achievements," His Majesty added.

His Majesty said he felt very esteemed to be this country's guest and in all sincerity conveyed his warmest regards of the government and the people of Brunei Darussalam.

His Majesty said he also values the perspectives of the Turkish President in a number of forums and in the President's endeavour towards new order in international affairs that emphasises on understanding, tolerance and goodwill.

"This appreciation also extends to the contributions of the Turkish people to international research, training and humanitarian development, through the country's many academic, scientific and cultural institutions," His Majesty added.

"We are also moving in parallel with the Government of the Republic of Turkey in extending continuous support to international organisations like the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

"These efforts are most realistic in fulfilling our joint aspirations towards cooperation in building a world of peace and prosperity," His Majesty added. - Borneo Bulletin (12 April 2012)