HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam arrived in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China last night to attend the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) 2014 to be held today and tomorrow.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the Beijing Capital International Airport by Yu Hongyao, Protocol Ambassador, as Representative of the Government of the People’s Republic of China; and Zheng Xianglin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; as well as senior officials of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Also present to greet His Majesty were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and Datin Paduka Magdalene Teo Chee Siong, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the People’s Republic of China.

His Majesty consented to walk past a static guard of honour mounted by 37 personnel of the People’s Liberation Army before boarding a motorcade to the China World Hotel where His Majesty will reside. Upon arrival at the hotel, His Majesty was greeted by Emil Leung, the Hotel’s Managing Director as well as staff of the hotel.

Accompanying His Majesty is 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.

His Majesty’s attendance at the prestigious meeting with other Apec Economic Leaders from 21-member economies provides the monarch and other Apec Economic Leaders the opportunity to strenghten and enhance relationships as well as to discuss current issues towards achieving the goals of Apec.

The theme for AELM 2014 is “Shaping the Future through Asia-Pacific Partnership”, with priorities on advancing regional economic integration, promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth and strengthening comprehensive connectivity and infrastructure development.

After the Apec Summit, His Majesty will leave for Nay Pyi Taw, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to attend the 25th Asean Summit and related summits to be held on November 12 and 13.

Earlier, before leaving the Istana Nurul Iman, a Doa Selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Present at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar in Rimba to bid farewell to the ruler were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, as well as other members of the royal family.

Also present at the hangar were YAM Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Cabinet Ministers; members of the Privy Council, Deputy Ministers, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Acting Commissioner of Police. - Borneo Bulletin (10 November 2014)