HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend a bilateral meeting with Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka; the Retreat Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and a luncheon at the Waters Edge, Colombo in Sri Lanka.

In the morning, His Majesty consented to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss issues related to bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters of mutual concern.

His Majesty also consented to attend the Retreat Session of CHOGM where the main focus of the discussions related to the CHOGM special theme of ‘Growth with Equity – Inclusive Development”, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.

In this regard, in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter, the leaders stressed that the achievement of inclusive growth and equity should be one of the main policy priorities of the Commonwealth countries.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government also expressed their commitment, among others, to continue efforts in developing policies that address poverty, increase food security, promotion of international trade and enhancing knowledge and technology transfer in order to achieve sustainable and balanced growth, the press release stated.

The leaders’ discussions also touched on issues relating to international trade, climate change financing and the challenges faced by Commonwealth countries, particularly the small states. In the afternoon, His Majesty consented to join other leaders for a luncheon hosted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Waters Edge.

Accompanying His Majesty to the meetings and events were 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 Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and 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, the press release stated. - Borneo Bulletin (17 November 2013)