HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam safely arrived in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt to attend the 12th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, yesterday.

According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Mahdi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Cairo and Wael El Medawi, Minister of Civil Aviation, Arab Republic of Egypt at the Cairo International Airport.

After His Majesty proceeded to the dais, the national anthem of both countries resounded through the open venue as the guards of honour stood nobly to welcome the arrival of the monarch.

His Majesty also met with officers from the Arab Republic of Egypt and later boarded a motorcade towards the Intercontinental Cairo Citystars Hotel, where His Majesty will reside throughout the summit. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Ibrahim Nashaat, General Manager of the Intercontinental Cairo Citystars Hotel. The caring monarch also consented to receive a bouquet of flowers.

His Majesty along with other heads of state and government will meet today and tomorrow (February 6 and 7) to discuss political matters of importance to the Muslim world. On top of the agenda is the Israeli settlements, political issues affecting OIC member countries, combating defamation of devine religions issues and facing Islamophobia, the press release stated.

The summit which carries the theme “The Muslim World: New Challenges and Expanding”, will also discuss the status of Muslim communities in Non-OIC countries, and a number of economic, social and cultural matters aimed at alleviating poverty and accelerating development in OIC member countries whilst addressing challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and preserving its interests.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations, has a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organisation was established on September 25, 1969. Brunei Darussalam became a full member of the OIC in January 1984. Accompanying His Majesty 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 and Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II. - Borneo Bulletin (6 February 2013)