THONGSING Thammavong, Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic and his wife, Madame Bouathong Thammavong, arrived yesterday for a two-day official visit.

Welcoming them at the airport was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

Also present was Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as the Minister-in-Attendance.

Upon arrival, Thongsing Thammavong was invited onto the dais to receive the salute of honour, which was followed by the playing of the national anthems of both countries. Thongsing Thammavong then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Brunei Land Forces.

Thongsing Thammavong was then introduced to the Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Commissioner of Royal Brunei Police Force, foreign envoys in Brunei Darussalam, Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. - Borneo Bulletin (3 March 2013)