HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam sees potential for cooperation between Brunei and Myanmar in the energy industry. The monarch was pleased that officials from both countries have already begun working together in this area.

As both countries are expanding into new areas such as agriculture and fisheries, His Majesty said that it would be good for officials to have more regular consultations to strengthen the warm bilateral cooperation.

His Majesty said this in a titah last evening at the State Banquet held in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to Myanmar. The banquet was held at the Presidential Palace.

His Majesty is in Myanmar for a three-day State Visit.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by U Thein Sein, President of Myanmar.

The State Banquet commenced with the national anthem of Brunei Darussalam and followed by the national anthem of Myanmar.

The President of Myanmar delivered his welcoming remarks. In return, His Majesty delivered a titah and firstly thanked the president for the warm welcome and kind remarks about Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty said he was happy to be in the beautiful country of Myanmar again.

His Majesty stated that the people of Brunei Darussalam and Myanmar have enjoyed a close personal relationship over the past 20 years. For many Bruneians, teachers from Myanmar have taught them in schools while the doctors have cared Bruneians in hospitals. Bruneians thank them for their contributions. Over time, the personal relationship between the people of the two countries has evolved into joint efforts in health, education and technical assistance.

His Majesty highlighted that the people of Brunei Darussalam are pleased to be supporting Myanmar’s future development, by sharing their experience with Myanmar’s officials through technical assistance programmes. This is certainly something that will continue in the future.

His Majesty recalled the meeting between the two leaders in Brunei Darussalam last year during which His Majesty looked forward to coming to Myanmar to see the country’s exciting development in person. His Majesty acknowledged that since his last visit in 1998, the changes in Myanmar are clear and impressive. His Majesty believes that all friends in the region and beyond also share similar sentiment.

His Majesty stated that due to the hard work of the people of Myanmar, the country has achieved rapid economic growth over the past two years. In this regard, His Majesty congratulated the president and hoped to continue to offer Brunei Darussalam’s friendship and cooperation.

His Majesty also recalled that last year in Brunei Darussalam, the president spoke about Myanmar’s vision for the region which, His Majesty acknowledged, is no different from what Brunei Darussalam shared. Like Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam emphasises the need for a people-centered Asean, educating our youth, promoting small businesses and narrowing the development gap. Brunei Darussalam has full confidence in Myanmar’s successful Chairmanship this year. Under the personal guidance of the president, His Majesty is positive that Asean will move ever closer to its goals for a Community. To this end, Brunei Darussalam will continue to work closely with Myanmar to advance the common regional interests of peace and prosperity for our people.

His Majesty once again thanked the Government and people of Myanmar for their warm hospitality and appreciated the friendship and goodwill that two countries have enjoyed. His Majesty wished Myanmar a future of peace, progress and prosperity.

After the State Banquet, His Majesty proceeded to the Theatre Room for a cultural show. At the end of the cultural show, His Majesty and the Myanmar President presented a bouquet of flowers to the representative of the performers and later joined the performers for a group photo session. - Borneo Bulletin (26 March 2014)