HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend the closing ceremony of the 10th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting in Milan, Italy.

During the ceremony, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Commission, Chairman of the 10th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting, delivered his closing statement.

This was followed by a statement by Tsakhiagiin Elbergdorj, President of Mongolia as the next host of the 11th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting, which will be held in 2016.

The closing ceremony was held on the second and final day of the 10th ASEM Meeting at the Milano Congressi Convention Centre.

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, His Majesty consented to hold bilateral meetings with Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy.

His Majesty first held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. During the bilateral meeting, His Majesty and the Dutch Prime Minister discussed bilateral issues and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands, while exchanging views on regional and international matters of mutual concerns.

Soon after, His Majesty held a bilateral meeting with the Italian Prime Minister. During the bilateral meeting, His Majesty and the Italian Prime Minister discussed bilateral issues and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Italy, as well as exchanging views related to Europe and other regions. Italy is the host to the 10th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting this year.

The bilateral meetings were held at the Milano Congressi Convention Centre in Milan.

Accompanying His Majesty during the closing ceremony and bilateral meetings were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. 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.

On Thursday night, His Majesty consented to attend a dinner reception hosted by Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Republic of Italy, in conjunction with the 10th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting.

Upon arrival at the Palazzo Reale, His Majesty joined other ASEM leaders for a welcoming reception. His Majesty was later introduced to the Italian President at the dinner reception, along with other heads of state and government of ASEM.

Before the dinner, the Italian President delivered a short remark to welcome all heads of state and government. The dinner reception was held at the Palazzo Reale, Italy. - Borneo Bulletin (18 October 2014)