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, and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday evening attended a State Banquet hosted by President of the Republic of Singapore Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam and his spouse, in honour of Their Majesties’ State Visit to the City State.
The event was held at the Istana in Singapore.
Upon arrival at the Istana, His Majesty and Her Majesty were welcomed by the President of Singapore and wife.
Accompanying Their Majesties to the State Banquet were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
His Majesty and Her Majesty, together with the President of Singapore and his wife, proceeded to the Reception Hall where Their Majesties were introduced to special guests and envoys of Asean member countries to the Republic of Singapore. Their Majesties were also introduced to the 13 recipients of the ‘Sultan’s Scholar’ who are currently on a training programme in Singapore.
Their Majesties then joined for a group photo session before proceeding to the Banquet Hall for the State Banquet.
The State Banquet began with a welcoming address by the president, where he expressed his gratitude and pleasure in welcoming His Majesty and Her Majesty to Singapore.
During the banquet, His Majesty delivered a titah expressing pleasure for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality accorded to Their Majesties during their stay in the country.
His Majesty delivering the titah
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, and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, with President of the Republic of Singapore Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam and his spouse, in a group photo with the recipients of the Sultan’s Scholar. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
His Majesty mingling with the Sultan’s Scholar recipients
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik in conversation
His Majesty then highlighted that the 50th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore is a testimony of the enduring ties between the two countries, dating back to the friendship between Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and the late Lee Kuan Yew.
The monarch further stated that such bonds of friendship have developed into robust forms of cooperation in many areas such as defence, healthcare and education.
His Majesty was also pleased to note that both countries have placed continued emphasis in nurturing their special relationship.
The monarch said that the state-to-state relations must also bring mutual benefits to the peoples, highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges to enable the future generation to build and enrich the special relationship between the two nations.
On future cooperation, His Majesty reiterated the importance of enhancing closer cooperation in other areas, especially in agro-based industry.
The monarch said that Singapore has embarked on becoming a ‘Smart City’ and wished the country every success in its drive to survive and prosper through innovation as the country moves forward in the 21st Century.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty extended Brunei Darussalam’s full support for Singapore’s chairmanship of Asean in 2018.
As Asean celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, His Majesty said Brunei looks forward to working closely with Singapore towards a future that will continue to benefit people in both countries.
The post Sultan hails Brunei-Singapore ties appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.