Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, graced a dinner reception to mark the start of the new term of office for the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Zheng Xianglin, and Chinese New Year at The Empire Hotel and Country Club last night.

Accompanying Her Royal Highness was YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

In his welcoming speech, Mr Zheng said the Embassy of the People's Republic of China was pleased to witness the satisfactory development of China-Brunei friendly relationship, concrete and practical cooperation in all aspects.

"Last year new records were made in trade and economic relations between China and Brunei and between China and Asean," he added.

Mr Zheng arrived in the Sultanate last year to succeed Mr Min Yongnian. - Borneo Bulletin (16th February 2012)