HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted the ever-growing and firm bilateral relationship between the Sultanate and the People’s Republic of China – which encompasses a wide range of cooperation that includes energy infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism, health, labour and defence, as well as exchanges between both peoples – in a titah during a banquet in honour of the official visit of Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China at Istana Nurul Iman last night.

His Majesty acknowledged that the visit of Li Keqiang symbolised the existing friendship and partnership between Brunei Darussalam and China.

On the relationship between both countries, His Majesty expressed his confidence that the elevation of their relations to a strategic cooperative level will enhance their work further and open up many opportunities for cooperation.

“Your Excellency, Brunei Darussalam admires China’s achievements, especially the economic progress you are making and the benefit that this has brought not only to the people of our two countries, but also to the region as a whole,” His Majesty affirmed.

“We also welcome China’s contribution towards ensuring sustainable economic growth both in China and the region, through an upgraded Asean-China Free Trade Area and the Pan Asia connectivity project, as well as China’s support in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” His Majesty said.

Also present at the banquet were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Earlier in his titah, His Majesty, who last visited China in April this year, expressed his happiness “to have the opportunity to reciprocate the warm friendship and generous hospitality we have always received from your people”.

His Majesty also extended his warmest congratulations to the Chinese Government and its people on the 64th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

His Majesty expressed his confidence that under the current leadership, China will continue to succeed in its efforts for national development and in bringing about a “moderately prosperous society”.

His Majesty affirmed that Brunei Darussalam will continue to uphold the “One-China” policy.

With regards to the recently concluded summit meetings, His Majesty underscored Li Keqiang’s participation and contribution are testimony to his strong commitment to further strengthening the Asean-China Strategic Partnership. “We very much value China’s support for Brunei’s Chairmanship of Asean.”

In concluding his titah, His Majesty highlighted that the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China is based on mutual respect and understanding, adding that “my government and people join me in thanking you for honouring us with your visit”.

In a return speech, Premier Li highlighted the longstanding friendship between both countries.

“Over the past 22 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Brunei have deepened political mutual trust and expanded cooperation in the economic, trade, energy and other fields,” said Premier Li.

The Chinese Premier noted that China-Brunei relations have set a model for countries different in size living with each other in harmony on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

“This is attributable to the joint efforts of the governments and people of both countries. Most importantly, it would not have been possible without the personal commitment and guidance of His Majesty and other members of the royal family,” he said.

Premier Li shared that he will be pursuing talks with His Majesty before lauding people from various sectors in Brunei “who have long cared for and supported the friendship between China and Brunei”.

He explained that China and Brunei are both at a crucial stage of development, and that their cooperation enjoys bright prospects.

“Under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, Brunei’s economy has been booming and its people now lead a comfortable life. Since the launch of ‘Wawasan 2035’ in 2008, Brunei has made persistent efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the well-being of its people,” Premier Li said.

On his country’s own development and progress, China has set the goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all aspects by 2020 and is working hard for economic transformation and upgrading to build a better version of the Chinese economy.

“China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Brunei to expand converging interests, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and enrich the strategic cooperative relationship in keeping with our respective development strategies and jointly create a better future of China-Brunei relations,” the Chinese Premier highlighted.

Premier Li congratulated Brunei on successfully hosting the meetings, pointing out that the East Asia Leaders’ meetings have garnered encouraging results.

“China appreciates the positive role Brunei has played in advancing China-Asean relations since it assumed Asean’s rotating chairmanship.”

Premier Li affirmed that China will stay in close communication with Brunei to preserve regional cooperation and work with other countries in the region to jointly pursue development, meet challenges and promote security, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

In conclusion, the Chinese Premier said, “May the friendship between China and Brunei last forever.” - Borneo Bulletin (11 October 2013)