BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

FOREIGN envoys in the Sultanate expressed their congratulations to the royal couple yesterday saying the wedding was a rare opportunity to witness the full pageantry of Brunei’s ancient customs on display.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and YAM Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah were feted in glittering ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday morning.

Pakistani High Commissioner Brigadier (Rtd) Muhammad Zareef Malik said the Majlis Istiadat Bersanding Pengantin Diraja – the highlight of the 11-day wedding celebrations – was a “graceful” display of local culture.

“It has been a (beautiful) experience, I think the entire event had a tremendous amount of grace in it… I wish the newlyweds all the happiness and good health in their lives ahead, we also wish Their Majesties all the happiness and prosperity,” said the envoy.

Malik added that bilateral relations between Brunei and Pakistan continued to go from strength to strength. “The relations between our two countries are beautiful… The relationship grows from time to time and hopefully in years to come with the close cooperation between the Government of His Majesty and the Government of Pakistan, we will see better future for both countries.”

Newly-appointed Thai ambassador, Chirdchu Rakbutr, added that he was impressed by the grandeur of the _bersanding _ceremony. “I have only been in Brunei two months, this is our first experience in something like this in Brunei and I was very impressed by the greatness of the ceremony.”

British High Commissioner David Campbell commented on the uniqueness of the event, calling it a special experience he will remember fondly.

“I’ve been here nearly two years and this is my first experience at a royal wedding here in Brunei. So getting an understanding of each event and the symbolism of each event has been a very interesting experience for me.”

“It’s a great honour to witness some of that so this will remain one of the most memorable experiences of my time in Brunei.”

Bangladeshi Ambassador, Mohammed Abdul Hye, also expressed his appreciation for receiving an invitation to attend the series of wedding-related events held over the past week.

“It is a tremendous honour to be a part of the celebrations, and to witness this historic occasion in Brunei.” “Our best congratulations go out to the royal couple and I wish them a life filled with happiness and prosperity.”

The Brunei Times