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, highlighted the need to further enhance Asean’s economic integration agenda by doubling intra-Asean trade and investment in the next 10 years.
In a titah delivered at the plenary session of the 30th Asean Summit in Manila, Philippines yesterday attended by all Asean Heads of State and Government, His Majesty acknowledged that this is a significant year for Asean as it marks its 50th anniversary.
The monarch also observed Asean’s development since its inception, particularly when Brunei Darussalam joined 33 years ago, in which the region had transformed into vibrant economies. By working together, His Majesty noted that Asean is now an integral part of the East Asian region.
In the titah, His Majesty also stressed the importance for Asean to continue strengthening its close cooperation to address future challenges in political, economic and socio-cultural areas.
His Majesty recognised that while the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ brought many opportunities and benefits, it is also expected to affect the livelihoods of the peoples’ in the region. Therefore, His Majesty called on Asean to look at ways to manage and adapt in the future.
The monarch said Asean is vital to all member states and emphasised the importance for Asean member states to continue working closely together in addressing challenges and to fully realise the vision of a community in the region. In this regard, His Majesty expressed confidence of a more successful Asean in the years ahead.
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 Asean leaders at the plenary session of the 30th Asean Summit in Manila, Philippines
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 Asean leaders
His Majesty at the plenary session
His Majesty in a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
His Majesty talking with Nguyen Xan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Earlier, His Majesty attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Asean Summit, held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine Internationanal Convention Center (PICC) in Manila.
Upon arrival at the PICC, His Majesty was greeted by Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr, Chief of Presidential Protocol.
His Majesty was then officially welcomed by Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chairman of Asean, and Madame Cielito Avanceña.
The opening ceremony began with the Asean anthem, followed by an opening statement by the President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chairman of Asean, in which he welcomed the Asean Heads of State and Government to Manila.
His Majesty then joined other Asean Heads of State and Government for a group photograph.
Meanwhile, the plenary session of the 30th Asean Summit began with opening remarks by President Duterte in which the Chairman of Asean welcomed the Asean Heads of State and Government.
After the plenary session, His Majesty proceeded to the Coconut Palace to attend a luncheon hosted by the Chairman of Asean.
His Majesty also joined the other Heads of State and Government of Asean for a group photograph.
On the sidelines of the 30th Asean Summit, His Majesty held separate bilateral discussions with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Nguyen Xan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
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