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, on Friday expressed his hope for an increased engagement between Asean-Russia’s security agencies to counter terrorism and other transnational crimes, especially to stop violent extremist elements from coming in and establishing themselves in the region.
In a titah, which was delivered at the Plenary Session of the 20th Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit at Radisson Blu Resort and Congress Centre in Sochi, Russia, His Majesty also touched on the need for regional and international cooperation to be more strategic in addressing issues of terrorism and other transnational crimes and considering measures that could help countries become more resilient to economic uncertainty.
The impact of low oil prices and their volatility, as well as the economic slowdown in many important markets, were also touched on by His Majesty.
His Majesty highlighted how the establishment of the Asean Economic Community at the end of last year and the economic vision for Asean for the next 10 years could provide significant opportunities for enterprises to thrive.
His Majesty delivering the titah. – 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, with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
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 Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation and Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Lao People’s Demo-cratic Republic, who is also the Chairman of Asean, during the working luncheon at Radisson Blu Resort and Congress Centre, Sochi
His Majesty is bade farewell prior to his departure
Encouraged by the trade target that has been envisaged for the next 10 years, His Majesty highlighted that the role of the business community is vital in achieving the goal. In this regard, stronger links between Asean-Russian businesses should be nurtured and facilitated, His Majesty said.
His Majesty further noted that building mutual understanding and friendship amongst the people of Asean and Russia is key to the development of a strong partnership. His Majesty then called for a greater understanding of the richness and diversity of both cultures.
The strengthening of cultural diversity, stated His Majesty, can be seen through Russia’s commitment through its Asean-Russia Youth Symphony Orchestra held annually in Asean cities, which is welcomed by Asean.
At the end of the titah, His Majesty said he welcomed Russia’s engagement with Asean through the Comprehensive Plan of Action, which will set a pragmatic direction to expanding cooperation for the next five years, and further emphasised how a strong and dynamic Asean-Russia partnership will provide an anchor for peace, stability and prosperity regionally and globally.
At the end of the Plenary Session of the 20th Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit, His Majesty proceeded to attend a working luncheon.
His Majesty later left Sochi after attending the summit.
Before leaving the hotel, a Doa Selamat was recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Present at Sochi International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were Yuri Filatov, Director of the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Anatoly Pakhomov, Mayor of Sochi; and Haji Haini bin Haji Hashim, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Russian Federation.
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