| Hakim Hayat |
THE Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Semivolos yesterday praised the increased bilateral cooperation between Brunei and Russia, and hopes to see further growth as both sides forge greater cooperation in different sectors.
Semivolos made the remarks in his speech during a reception to mark the Day of Russia yesterday evening.
The meeting between 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 Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi last year laid down broad foundation for the deepening of practical mutually advantageous collaborations between both countries, he said.
“Strong friendly relations between our leaders remain a major force behind the development of Russia-Brunei cooperation,” he added.
The ambassador noted that bilateral contacts between both countries have significantly grown and qualitatively expanded in recent years, including in exchange visits from high level delegations from both governments and also cooperation in areas of defence and security, education, economic and trade and culture.
“We expect more practical achievements this year, in particular the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements which, we are convinced, will serve as a powerful incentive for the accelerated development of business, tourism, cultural, educational exchanges and people-to-people contacts,” he said.
Present as guests of honour at the event hosted by the Russian Federation Embassy at The Rizqun International Hotel were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and spouse Datin Hajah Kalshom binti Haji Suhaili.
The event commenced with the playing of the national anthems of both countries, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and presentation of souvenirs to the guest of honour.
Guests were also shown a documentary film ‘Formula of Power’ that was filmed by a Russian film crew on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration 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’s Accession to the Throne.
A cultural performance by artists from ‘The Songs and Dance Ensembles’ of the visiting Russian Pacific Fleet enlivened the evening.
The post Brunei-Russia ties going from strength to strength appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.