| Hakim Hayat in New Delhi, India |
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 has called for India’s “strong support” to finalise the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2018.
Appreciating the rapid economic growth in India and Asean member countries in a titah delivered during the Plenary Session of the Asean-India Commemorative Summit at Taj Diplomatic Enclave Hotel in New Delhi yesterday, His Majesty said “RCEP is an important initiative which will spur growth in the region and beyond”.
The monarch hailed India’s emphasis on strengthening Asean-India relations through its ‘Act East Policy’.
His Majesty highlighted Asean and India’s collective potential through their vibrant economies and educated young population, calling for enhanced collaboration in education and information and communication technology among the youth. His Majesty also noted the long history of exchanges that fostered friendship and supported people-to-people ties through greater interaction.
In the titah, His Majesty also called for strengthening cooperation in addressing regional security challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism through information/intelligence sharing.
Noting the changing regional and global outlook, the monarch said India has much to contribute to the prosperity and security of the region. In this regard, His Majesty emphasised the importance of strengthening Asean and India cooperation.
Upon arriving at the hotel for the session, His Majesty was greeted by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India. His Majesty was then invited for a photograph with the Prime Minister.
Before the Plenary Session, His Majesty, together with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India and other Heads of State and Government of Asean proceeded to Shahjehan Hall to officially unveil the 11 commemorative stamps in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Asean-India dialogue partnership.
The Plenary Session, which carried the theme, ‘Shared Values, Common Destiny’, commenced with a welcoming speech by the Prime Minister of India, followed by opening remarks from Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, as Chairman of Asean.
During the session, the leaders also discussed issues of cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international matters as well as the future course of Asean-India relations. At the end of the session, His Majesty, together with the Prime Minister of India and other Asean leaders, endorsed the Delhi Declaration.
After the session, the monarch, together with the Prime Minister of India and other Asean leaders proceeded to Mumtaz Hall to view an exhibition of 20 paintings of the Asean-India Artists’ Camp. His Majesty then proceeded to Durbar Hall to attend a cultural banquet. Prior to the banquet, the monarch was invited for a group photograph session. The banquet featured a number of cultural performances from India and Asean member countries.
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