Lyna Mohamad
Malaysia’s good rapport with other countries, especially Brunei Darussalam, has played an integral part in Malaysia’s success stories, according to Charge d’Affaires at the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam Nadia Azura binti Mohd Nudri.
For Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam is not just a neighbour but an exceptional friend who has always been with them through ‘thick and thin’, she noted.
The Charge d’Affaires highlighted Brunei-Malaysia ties during a reception ceremony in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the National Day of Malaysia at the Songket Ballroom of Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman represented the Brunei Government as the guest of honour. The minister’s spouse Datin Hajah Razina binti Haji Kassim was also present, along with other members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials as well as prominent figures in the country.
Nadia said Brunei and Malaysia share many things in common and have enjoyed close ties for 36 years of diplomatic relations, underpinned by shared deep-rooted Islamic values and Malay culture. The constant exchange of visits at the highest level in the form of Exchange of Letters meeting at the foreign ministerial level and the Annual Leaders Consultation among heads of government held alternately are a testaments to the two countries’ special relations.
“Although official visits have to be postponed this year due to the pandemic outbreak, I believe it will resume soon in a new norm setting.”
The Charge d’Affaires said that Brunei was among the first countries to offer assistance to Malaysia in the effort to bring home Malaysians abroad amid the pandemic. Malaysia is grateful to the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the repatriation process of 84 Malaysians stranded in Egypt.
“On Malaysia’s side, we always ensure regulations imposed mainly related to the border control mechanisms did not disrupt Brunei Darussalam’s essential services. I also wish to applaud the Government of His Majesty’s effort in curbing the COVID-19 spread and it is not only protecting the Bruneians but also Malaysians and other nationalities in this country.”
She also expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty for the unwavering efforts in maintaining close and brotherly relationship with Malaysia.
“I also pray to Allah the Almighty for His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, and all members of the royal family and the people of Brunei Darussalam, for continued good health, harmony, success and prosperity.”
Malaysians celebrated their National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day today. The Minister of Education and spouse also cut the cake during the ceremony.