As part of the five-day State Visit to the Republic of Turkey, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was treated to a river cruise luncheon along the scenic Bosphorus Strait followed by a visit to the Istanbul Military Museum at Harbiye during the second day of the monarch's official visit.

His Majesty went on a river cruise luncheon overseeing the picturesque Bosphorus Strait, which separates the city between the continent of Europe and Asia. The luncheon was hosted by Dr Kadir Topbas, the Mayor of the City of Istanbul.

Before boarding the boat for the river cruise luncheon from the Ciragan Palace Hotel, His Majesty and the mayor had a casual meeting at the hotel's pier overlooking the Bosphorus strait.

Following the luncheon, His Majesty continued the second day of his official visit to the Republic of Turkey with a visit to the Istanbul Military Museum at Harbiye. His Majesty consented to sign the visitor's book. Whilst at the museum, His Majesty consented to watch a performance by the Mehter Takimi, the oldest marching band in the world.

The Military Museum displays a history of military changes and developments from the past to the present, and showcases a wide ranging collection which includes medals, military uniforms, flags, emblems, armoured shirts, shields, paintings and various types of guns.

Later during the night, His Majesty was hosted to a banquet dinner by the Governor of Istanbul, Mr Huseyin Avni Mutlu at the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion.

Accompanying His Majesty throughout the visit are 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 other senior officials. - Borneo Bulletin (9 April 2012)