HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik yesterday visited the Sail Ship INS Sudarshini which reached Muara Port last Wednesday as part of a six month goodwill expedition to Asean countries in commemorating the 20th anniversary of Asean-India dialogue partnership.

On arrival at the quay side, HRH was received by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, Mr Lalduhthlana Ralte, High Commissioner of India to Brunei and Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Abdul Halim bin Hj Mohd Hanifah.

HRH was then received onboard INS Sudarshini by the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander N Shyam Sundar and his crew, who gave HRH a tour of the sail ship and briefed him on the expedition's objective.

The expedition will last 127 days and visit nine different countries in the region. The purpose is to highlight the centuries old traditional linkages within the Asean region and India.

During the visits to the countries, besides organising business and cultural events, the ship will take on training cadets of the countries it visits so that they can train alongside their Indian counterparts.

HRH was also introduced to two Brunei navy cadets joining the sail up to Cebu by the Navy Commander.

The Indian High Commissioner said HRH expressed his admiration for the captain and crew of the ship on their tough journey, and his belief that the expedition will achieve its goal of bringing India closer to Brunei and the Asean countries.

Commander N Shyam Sundar also presented a book on India to HRH as a token of appreciation for his visit. HRH also consented to sign a plague in commemoration of his visit which will be permanently hung in the Wardroom of the Commanding Officer. - Borneo Bulletin (24 November 2012)