Their Majesties currently in Indonesia for 3-day State Visit

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha are now in the Republic of Indonesia for a three day State Visit.  Their Majesties arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Military Airport, in Jakarta, at about 10 Tuesday morning and were greeted by Indonesia’s Minister of Communications, His Excellency Jusman Syafii Djamal, the Minister-in-Attendance and wife as well as several top government officials.  Also present with Their Majesties were members of royal entourage.

The official welcoming ceremony was held at the Istana Merdeka where the Royal visitors were welcomed by Indonesia’s President, His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and wife, Ibu Hajah Ani Yudhoyono.  This is His Majesty’s third State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia and is made at the invitation of President Yudhoyono towards strengthening the existing friendly relationship between the two ASEAN member countries.  At the ceremony, His Majesty consented to inspect the guard of honour which was subsequently followed by a 21 gun-salute.  Members of His Majesties’ entourage were later introduced to the Indonesian President and wife; as well as Indonesia’s Cabinet Ministers.  His Majesty’s entourage includes the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the State Mufti and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.  

Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia officially established diplomatic relations on January 1st, 1984.  The relations were further enhanced through bilateral cooperation in various fields including that of the economy, investment, trade, communications, broadcasting, education and technical.  His Majesty himself had made several working and personal visits to Indonesia since both countries inked their diplomatic ties.  Later, the Monarch paid a goodwill call on President Yudhoyono at the Ruang Jepara of the Istana Merdeka.  His Majesty and President Yudhoyono had met in several official activities including meetings at national and international levels.  The latest was at the OIC Summit in Senegal in March.  In February 2006, both President Yudhoyono and wife were guests of Brunei Darussalam when they made a two-day state visit.   

In a separate occasion at the Istana Merdeka, His Majesty led Brunei’s delegation at a bilateral meeting with the Indonesian leader and his delegation.  A statement issued after the discussion states that both leaders emphasised the enhancement of existing warm and friendly ties. They also welcomed the development of bilateral relations in the economic, trade and investment fields, apart from discussing regional and international issues of common interests.  At the end of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President Yudhoyono witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Culture between their two countries.  Brunei Darussalam was represented by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Retired Major General Pehin Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad, while Indonesia was represented by its Minister of Culture and Tourism, His Excellency Jero Wacik SE.  It is hoped that the MOU would help enhance current cooperation.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, in a separate itinerary consented to visit a Handicraft Exhibition and Fashion Show at the Wisma Negara, located in the compound of the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta.  Her Majesty was accompanied by Indonesia’s first lady, Ibu Hajah Ani Yudhoyono.  Also with Her Majesty was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.  Among the exhibits were the latest traditional batik materials, showcased by one of the leading batik producers in Jakarta.  The centerpiece of the exhibition was a 200-year old batik sporting a high quality design encompassing flora and fauna motives.  Also on display were decorative gem stones including diamonds.  The Mutumanikam Nusantara Organisation which organised the exhibition is under the Patronage of the wife of Indonesia’s President.

In the afternoon, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to visit the Pembina Foundation for Disabled Children at Kebayoran Baru in South Jakarta.  The foundation is managed by a voluntary organisation in helping disabled children from various districts. The Foundation’s Chairman, Haji Muki Reksoprodjo said more than 90 disabled people between the ages of 2 and 30 years are receiving guidance at the foundation from the kindergarten level up to the skill training level depending on their capabilities.  Her Majesty presented a personal contribution to the foundation.  Since its establishment, the foundation has been receiving cooperation from educational institutions in the form of skill training programmes and other courses including studies at the university level.  A major part of the foundation’s funds is obtained through public contributions, particularly from Her Majesty then consented to tour the classes to take a closer look at the activities carried out by the disabled children.  Among the guidance provided are physio-therapy, speech therapy and practice in self-reliance.  Also present in the foundation tour was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, entrepreneurs and civil organisations.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

His Majesty expresses satisfaction with close cooperation between Brunei-Indonesia

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang  Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah, expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia in various fields including trade, investment, culture, education and defence.  The cooperation in trade, said His Majesty, has shown improvement from year to year.  Both countries, suggested His Majesty, should continue to enhance the cooperation, whereas there are still wider opportunities which could be explored by entrepreneurs from both sides in boosting bilateral trade.  His Majesty made the titah at the State Banquet in honour of His Majesty’s three-day state visit to the Republic of Indonesia.  His Majesty in the titah said, relationship between the two countries is not only based on the language and cultural connection, but also with the existing close and warm personal relationship in various levels.  In facing any global changes and challenges today, His Majesty hoped that the spirit to continuously further enhance relations which both countries enjoyed should always be manure.

On the defence field, His Majesty said, cooperation covering military trainings and exchange of visits have allowed army personnel of the two countries to obtain knowledge and experience which could further boost the skills required in facing current challenges.  The State Banquet was held at Istana Negara in Jakarta.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha were welcomed by the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Bambang Yudhoyono and Ibu Hajah Ani Yudhoyono.

In his speech, President Yudhoyono expressed pleasure with the close cooperation between the two countries in various fields and levels.  The cooperation, His Excellency said, is not only progressed in bilateral context, but as well in various regional and international fora.  The Indonesian President believed such strong cooperation and friendship would not exist without people to people contact, and this is an important concept in the relationship between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.  Present at the banquet were members of royal entourage. The State banquet was highlighted by cultural performances.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

Brunei Crown Prince pays courtesy call to Crown Prince of UAE

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office has consented to make a courtesy call on His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  Upon arrival at the Qasr Al-Bahri Palace, His Royal Highness was greeted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.  Accompanying His Royal Highness during the courtesy call was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi.

Present at the call were the Director of International Affairs of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Yusof bin Utaibah; Under-Secretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohammad Mubarak Al-Mazroui, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, His Excellency Khaldun Al-Mubarak.  Also present was Brunei Darussalam’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Dato Paduka Haji Adnan bin Haji Zainal.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

71 brilliant students receive plaques and certificates

Several Brunei students are among the world’s top ten and top in the country for achieving excellent results in a wide range of subjects in the November 2007 Brunei Cambridge GCE ‘O’, ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level examinations.  71 students received plaques and certificates from the Ministry of Education and from the University of Cambridge International Examinations at a Brilliance Award ceremony held Tuesday.  The Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Rahman presented 107 plaques and certificates to the outstanding students.  They comprised 35 students who sat for the ‘O’ Level and 36 who took the ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level exams, and who have shown exceptional ability.  Seven students were Top in the World in four subjects.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

BERSATU Association receives Certificate of Commendation

The Japan-ASEAN Youth Ship Programme of SSEAYP is aimed at promoting friendship and understanding between Japan and ASEAN member countries through various exchanges by the youth on-board the ship.  Toward this, the Government of Japan presented the Certificate of Commendation to SSEAYP International Brunei Darussalam, BERSATU Association for the association’s invaluable contribution to the fulfillment of the Japan-ASEAN Youth Ship Programme and advancement of Japan-Brunei friendship. The function was held last night at the Residence of Ambassador of Japan in Kota Batu.

The Certificate of Commendation was presented by the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Hashimoto Itsuo who is representing the Government of Japan.  The certificate was received by the President of the SSEAYP International Brunei Darussalam, BERSATU Association, Awang Haji Jailani bin Haji Ibrahim.  The certificate is given to individuals or groups that have contributed to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Brunei Darussalam.  The function was also coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the BERSATU Association.  The BERSATU Association is one of the huge networks of Alumni members. The Association has been playing a crucial role in solidifying Japan-Brunei friendships and to some extent, Japan-ASEAN relations.  

Present at the function was the Deputy Permanent Secretary  at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman and the Secretary-General, Brunei-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Hiroshi Sawada.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

Proportion of older people in SEA estimated to triple between 2000 and 2050

Delegates of a three-day ROK-ASEAN conference on Home Care for the Elderly continued their deliberations, Tuesday on several issues related to the theme of the meeting.  The participants also took an opportunity to visit the home of a selected senior citizen.  

In his address, the President of HelpAge Korea said it is estimated that the proportion of older people over 60 years in South-East Asia will triple between 2000 and 2050, meaning the caring needs for the aged will also dramatically increased.  HelpAge Korea has introduced volunteer based Home Care Programme into the ASEAN region since 2003 under the ROK-ASEAN Cooperation Project.  

The representative of the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Rachmat Irwansjah said older people have been identified as one of the socially vulnerable groups to be protected from social risks and should be given equal opportunities to social services.  Such effort had been amplified with the adoption of the ASEAN Strategic Framework and Plan of Action for Social Welfare, Family and Children, 2007-2010.  Brunei’s Community Development Officer, Haji Awang Ahad bin Haji Hassan clarified that the programme offers elderly people with the opportunity to actively interact with trained volunteers.  The purpose of the three-day meeting he said, was to garner every information, methodology and experience on home care for the elderly amongst the participating countries.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

FBBA organises talk on economic updates at Sheraton Hotel

Brunei Darussalam and France have various business ties with exports from France valued at 20 million Brunei dollars and imports from Brunei worth 4 million Brunei dollars.  The Minister-Counsellor and Head of the Economic Departments for the South East Asian French Embassy stated this in his talk titled: ‘France: Economic Updates’ at the Sheraton Utama Hotel in the capital.  

Mr. Jean-Marie Demange said there were a lot of opportunities to set up business in various areas, especially in the service sector.  He added that with more than 40% of the population in Paris alone, language barriers are now a cliché which can be neglected.  France has an investment of 500 million Brunei dollars in the country with 400 million in the oil and gas sector and another 100 million in goods ranging from consumer products, electronics and other businesses. 

The talk, organised by the French Bruneian Business Association, FBBA, was attended by representatives from the Brunei Investment Agency and the Ministry of Finance, as well as the President of FBBA and the French Ambassador in the country.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 23, 2008

This Week's News

Crown Prince again competes in Men's 8-Ball Pool World Championships 2008

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Sunday again took part in the Men’s 8-Ball Pool World Championships 2008 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.  Upon arrival at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre, His Royal Highness was greeted by Mr. Sultan Al Shara, the tournament coordinator and members of the organising committee.

In the afternoon match, His Royal Highness played against the Eurotour 2007 Champion, Bruno Muratore from Italy.  This is His Royal Highness’s first participation in the Men’s 8-Ball Pool World Championships which attract 64 world renowned professional players from 33 countries.  His Royal Highness was accompanied to the match by Prince Abdul Qawi.

Source: Brunei Government Website, April 21, 2008

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