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 expressed pleasure to be back in the Philippines to further strengthen the close bilateral relations and extended the Sultanate’s full support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of Asean in 2017.
His Majesty was speaking at a joint press conference with Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, yesterday on the first day of the monarch’s two-day State Visit to the Philippines.
Earlier, His Majesty attended the official welcoming ceremony in honour of the State Visit, held at the Malacañan Palace, Manila.
Before arriving at the palace, His Majesty first attended a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.
At the Rizal Monument, His Majesty was greeted by Salvador Medialdea, Executive Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines. This was followed by the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of the Philippines. His Majesty then laid a wreath at the monument.
Upon arrival at the palace grounds, His Majesty was welcomed by President Duterte.
His Majesty proceeded to the dais to receive the royal guard of honour followed by the national anthems of both countries, and a 21-gun salute. His Majesty then inspected the royal guard of honour mounted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
His Majesty was later introduced to state dignitaries of the Republic of the Philippines, followed by the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation members to the President of the Philippines.
His Majesty also signed the visitors’ book at the reception hall of Malacañan Palace.
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, greeted by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace, Manila. – INFOFOTO
Both leaders then proceeded to the Aguinaldo State Dining Room for a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral issues as well as regional and international matters of mutual interest.
His Majesty’s State Visit is held ahead of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on April 29, Saturday.
All the heads of Asean member states are participating in the summit, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The summit and related meetings kicked off with its first meeting among the members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to Asean on Wednesday.
There are a total of 138 Asean-related meetings, most of which are set to take place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Another high-level summit of the Asean leaders and top officials will take place November 10 to 14, at the 31st Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Clark Field, Pampanga.
Apart from the heads of government of Asean, world leaders from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States are also expected to attend this summit.
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