HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday became the first foreign leader to be received by Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, after he was elected the Chinese president.

The Chinese president said this highlights the great importance China attaches to its relations with the Sultanate, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Xinhua reported.

Xi Jinping also expressed his appreciation over contributions made by His Majesty in fostering China-Brunei ties and hoped that bilateral relations would be taken to a higher level with His Majesty’s State Visit to China.

Earlier, His Majesty consented to attend an official ceremony marking his State Visit in Beijing. Accompanying His Majesty was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty’s arrival at the Eastern Plaza of the Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, was greeted by Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China.

His Majesty then consented to be introduced to several highest officials of the People’s Republic of China, while the Chinese President was introduced to senior government officials of Brunei Darussalam’s by YAM Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Grand Chamberlain.

His Majesty and the Chinese President then proceeded to the dais. The national anthems of both countries were then played followed by a 21-gun salute.

His Majesty and the Chinese President later inspected the Guards of Honour of the Three Services of the People’s Liberation Army comprising marine, land and air forces.

After the inspection, His Majesty and the Chinese President then moved on to the dais again to witness a march past of the Guards of Honour.

His Majesty and the Chinese President then entered the South Chamber of the Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square, for an official meeting. Accompanying His Majesty at the meeting was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Shortly after the official meeting, His Majesty and the Chinese President walked together to the East Hall for a bilateral meeting. Accompanying His Majesty at the meeting was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

Shortly after the bilateral meeting, His Majesty and the Chinese President proceeded to the entrance of the East Hall and then bade farewell with a handshake.

His Majesty then consented to attend a meeting with Zhang Dejiang, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the Reception Hall of Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Accompanying His Majesty at the meeting was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty’s arrival was greeted by Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress is a committee of 150 members to the National People’s Congress (NPC).

NPC itself is the highest state body and the unicameral Legislative House in the People’s Republic of China. With nearly 3,000 members, it is the largest parliament in the world.

Yesterday afternoon, His Majesty consented to visit the Special Operations Brigade of Beijing Military Command. The event took place at the Special Operations Brigade of Beijing Military Command in Beijing.

Accompanying His Majesty was HRH Lieutenant Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Colonel Jin Ming, Commander of Special Operations Brigade of Beijing Military Command.

At the beginning of the red carpet, His Majesty consented to inspect the line of guards in Chinese language.

Shortly after, His Majesty proceeded to the viewing stands to witness a shooting exercise. His Majesty then stepped down from the viewing stands to witness a free combat unarmed fighting.

His Majesty then consented to watch a building climbing, para-shooting and static display that showcased vehicles and weapons.

His Majesty concluded his visit by consenting to receive a ‘pesambah’ from Colonel Jin Ming, Commander of Special Operations Brigade of Beijing Military Command. His Majesty also consented to join a group photo session.

His Majesty also consented to attend a meeting with Li Keqiang, the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, at Villa No 18, Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing. Accompanying His Majesty was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty’s arrival was greeted by Li Keqiang, the Premier of the People’s Republic of China. During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

Shortly after the meeting, His Majesty consented to attend a dinner hosted by the Chinese Premier at Villa No 18, Diaoyutai State Guest House.

Also present during yesterday’s 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; 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; YAM Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Grand Chamberlain; Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces; Datin Paduka Magdalene Teo Chee Siong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the People’s Republic of China; Zheng Xianglin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; and Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister’s Office.

His Majesty will be attending the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conferance 2013 today (Saturday) in southern Hainan Province, Xinhua reported. - Borneo Bulletin (6 April 2013)