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 yesterday called on Asean to be united and relevant amid the global certainties.
Delivering a titah at the Plenary Session of the 28th Asean Summit held at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Laos, His Majesty said the recent events following the Brexit referendum, coupled with the ever-changing geo-strategic landscape, will pose a challenge for Asean and it is therefore more important than ever, for Asean to demonstrate its unity in its commitments, and remain relevant to the whole region.
Despite the global uncertainties, Asean’s future looks bright with its economic growth projected to be at 4.7 per cent next year and by 2030, Asean is expected to be the world’s fourth largest economy, His Majesty said.
His Majesty said Asean is on the brink of what may be called another industrial revolution, where technology is advancing at an exponential pace with unprecedented development.
What is important for Asean now, is to be properly prepared, and remain steadfast in the commitment to make the region competitive. When Asean Economic Community was launched last year, public expectations from within and beyond the region were high. Despite the importance of these economic initiatives, and the potential benefits to the private sectors, Asean still has much to do if it were to reinforce its credibility, as a place to do business.
His Majesty said Asean currently is at an important juncture. Last year, Asean Community was established and Vision 2025 was adopted that paves the way for Asean to continue its future progress and development.
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 with Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean and spouse, Naly Sisoulith. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
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 in a group photo with other Asean leaders at the summit.
His Majesty during the Welcoming Dinner.
His Majesty said Asean has the opportunity to review how it can fast track the implementation of its economic commitments based on what is already provided for in the Asean Charter.
By allowing for initiatives to proceed amongst some member states, it may help build confidence, and other member states can take them up once they are prepared. One such initiative that can be implemented this way is the Asean Business Travel Card.
His Majesty added that Asean needs to find a way to help amplify the spirit of togetherness, and sense of belonging. His Majesty suggested that Asean considers ways to increase collaboration, through joint venture schemes in certain identified projects.
His Majesty also highlighted the importance of socio-cultural cooperation to all the work in Asean. Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council should find more ways to make the people proud of the Asean Community, and the uniqueness of the region living harmoniously together with the cultural diversity. This will help strengthen Asean’s image to the rest of the world.
In this regard, His Majesty is pleased that Bandar Seri Begawan has been declared the Asean City of Culture for the next two years, which will coincide with the Visit Asean Year in 2017.
His Majesty believes that Asean will continue to develop into a community that is dynamic, and responsive, based on the principles that have shaped us to this day. Asean’s decision-making through consensus has proven to be crucial in ensuring the unity and cohesiveness of the region, and this must continue to be preserved.
The plenary session was also attended by the Asean heads of state and government. Before the plenary session began, His Majesty joined other Asean heads of state and government for a group photograph session.
The plenary session began with the opening remarks by Thongloun Sisoulith, the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean. This was followed by a report from Le Luong Minh, Asean Secretary-General on matters that required attention and guidance from the Asean leaders.
After the plenary session, His Majesty attended the launching of The Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025 and The Initiative for Asean Integration Work Plan III and the Signing Ceremony of the Asean Declaration on One Asean, One Response: Asean Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region.
During the event, His Majesty signed the Asean Declaration on One Asean, One Response: Asean Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region.
The Asean Declaration was also signed by the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean, as well as other heads of state and government of Asean.
Earlier His Majesty attended the Opening Ceremony of the 28th and 29th Asean Summits and the Launch of the Visit Asean@50: Golden Celebration.
Upon arrival at the National Convention Centre, His Majesty was greeted by Seng Soukhathivong, Director General Protocol of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. His Majesty then proceeded to the main lobby of the National Convention Centre.
His Majesty was then welcomed by Thongloun Sisoulith and spouse, Naly Sisoulith.
The opening ceremony began with Asean’s theme song, followed by a cultural performance, the opening statement by the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean, as well as the opening address by Bounnhang Vorachith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
His Majesty then witnessed a video presentation and joined the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean and other Asean leaders to launch The Visit Asean@50: Golden Celebration.
In 2017, Asean will reach its 50th anniversary since its formation on August 8, 1967. In celebration of the milestone, the 10 Asean national tourism organisations have jointly developed a tourism programme under the campaign theme ‘Visit Asean@50: Golden Celebration’ with the objectives of commemorating the 50th anniversary of Asean and embracing Asean as a single and united tourism destination.
After the opening ceremony, His Majesty then joined other Asean heads of state and government for a group photograph session.
Meanwhile, His Majesty also attended a Welcoming Dinner hosted by Thongloun Sisoulith and spouse, in honour of the Asean heads of state and government and delegates attending the 28th and 29th Asean Summits and Related Summits.
The Welcoming Dinner was held at Don Chan Palace Hotel, Vientiane.
Thongloun Sisoulith, in his welcoming remarks at the dinner, welcomed all the Asean leaders and delegates to Vientiane.
The dinner was then graced with a musical performance.
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