His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha consented to receive in audience His Majesty's special guests yesterday afternoon.

The audience ceremonies, in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 66th birthday celebrations, took place at Istana Nurul Iman.

His Majesty and Her Majesty first consented to receive in audience Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Talal and Dato Seri Setia Al-Sayed Walid Ismail Al-Kurdi of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This was followed by an audience to the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud and spouse, Puan Sri Raghad Kurdi Taib. Also received in audience were the Indonesian Minister of Education, Professor Dr Muhammad Nuh and spouse, Ibu Layly Rahmawati.

This was followed by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Hj Aman and spouse, Datin Hjh Faridah Hj Tussin.

His Majesty and Her Majesty then received in audience the Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines, Mr Voltaire Gazmin and spouse, Mrs Rhodora Hernandez Gazmin.

The audience ceremonies continued with Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Lui Tuck Yew and spouse, Madam Tang Soon Fen.

"My wife and I were most honoured today to have an audience with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha. I conveyed to His Majesty warm birthday greetings from Singapore's leaders. We discussed the strong state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed that both countries should continue to further deepen our cooperation. I conveyed to His Majesty Singapore's support for Brunei's chairmanship of Asean next year," said Mr Lui.

Also granted audience were the Minister of Energy of Thailand, Mr Arak Chonlatanon and spouse, Dr Benja Chonlatanon. The audience ceremonies concluded with meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr John Baird. - Borneo Bulletin (16 July 2012)