His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended a State Banquet in honour of the monarch's State Visit to the Republic of Turkey Tuesday night before leaving for Istanbul.

Earlier, His Majesty was received in a grand welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, followed by a four-eye meeting, bilateral talk, the witnessing of signing of pacts between both countries and a joint press conference by both leaders.

The State Banquet, hosted by Turkish President Abdullah Gul was also held at the Presidential Palace.

His Majesty was welcomed on arrival at the palace by the president, who then led the monarch to the Banquet Hall for the introduction of the high level delegation from Brunei and other special guests at the event.

Before the banquet commenced, the President of Turkey delivered a speech. His Majesty, in return, consented to deliver a titah.

After the banquet, His Majesty proceeded back to the hotel where a doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti for the monarch's departure to Istanbul.

Present at the Esenboga Airport, Ankara to bid farewell to His Majesty Tuesday night were representatives of the Governor and the Mayor of Ankara as well as other senior officials from the Republic of Turkey.

Accompanying His Majesty was the Minister-in-Attendance, Egemen Bagis, Minister for European Union Affairs.

Also accompanying His Majesty 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 Awg Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office; and others senior officials. - Borneo Bulletin (12 April 2012)