HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday afternoon consented to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Tower at Seoul National Cemetery, before attending the official welcoming ceremony in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to the Republic of Korea.

His Majesty later held a bilateral meeting with Korean President Park Geun-hye, witnessed the signing of an Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Government of the Republic of Korea at the Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Seoul.

His Majesty attended the wreath-laying ceremony to pay respects for fallen soldiers and patriots for their sacrifices to protect their country and its people.

Upon arrival at the Memorial Tower, His Majesty was greeted by Lee Sang-guen, Superintendent of the Seoul National Cemetery and Moon Young-san, Manager of the Seoul National Cemetery.

His Majesty consented to walk past a static guard mounted by 30 personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force of the Republic of Korea. His Majesty laid the wreath and before leaving the Memorial Tower, signed the visitors’ book.

Later, His Majesty attended the official welcoming ceremony at the Cheong Wa Dae, Seoul.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yoon Yeo-cheol, Chief Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea.

His Majesty proceeded to Yeong Bin Gwan Building where the welcoming ceremony was held. His Majesty was greeted by Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea and both proceeded to the dais for the ceremony.

His Majesty received the royal guard of honour accompanied by the national anthem of Brunei and Korea. His Majesty inspected the royal guard of honour comprising 170 personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force of the Republic of Korea.

Later, His Majesty was introduced to the Cabinet Ministers, state dignitaries and senior officials of Korea. President Park was introduced to Brunei’s delegation.

His Majesty later signed the guest book.

After the ceremony, His Majesty and the Korean President proceeded for a bilateral meeting.

His Majesty signed the visitors’ book and posed for a photo session with the Korean President.

During the bilateral meeting, held at the Jiphyeon Room, Cheong Wa Dae, both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and efforts to enhance cooperation between Brunei and Korea, as well as matters relating to regional and international affairs of mutual concerns.

After the bilateral meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of the Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding at the Audience Room, Cheong Wa Dae.

The Agreement of the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income was signed on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam by 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. Signing on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea was Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

It was followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Education. Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman. Signing on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea was Hwang Woo-yea, Minister of Education.

The ceremony continued with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture. Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Pehin Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman. Signing on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea was Lee Dong-phil, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Accompanying His Majesty were 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. - Borneo Bulletin (10 December 2014)