BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday met with eight foreign dignitaries, who were invited to attend the monarch’s 68th birthday celebrations.

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha also met with the spouse of the dignitaries during an audience at Istana Nurul Iman.

Among the invited high-level guests were Head of Sarawak state Dato Laila Utama Tun Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud and Sabah Chief Minister Dato Seri Paduka Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman.

Other dignitaries included Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Seri Paduka Anifah Hj Aman and Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General TNI (Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Also present were Singapore's Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Cabinet Secretary of Philippines Jose Rene Almendras; Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Hj Adenan Hj Satem; and Commander of Indonesian Military General Dr Moeldoko.

On the sidelines of the parade at Taman Sir Sultan Hj Omar Ali Saifuddien, the Sabah chief minister conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday.

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks for the invitation to this celebrations and the parade has been well-prepared,” he said.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Defence said it was an honour to be part of His Majesty’s birthday celebrations.

“It reflects great meaning for the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Brunei,” said Lieutenant General TNI (Rtd) Sjafrie.

He added that it showed the close relations between the two governments, leaders, and senior officials. He said he hoped the close affinity between the two nations would continue.

Brunei has been cooperating with its counterparts based on the long-standing concept of friendship and mutual respect as well as non-interference in each other’s national affairs.

The Brunei Times