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 yesterday afternoon attended the closing of the Counter-Terrorism Conference and the welcome reception and official opening of the Asean-Australia Special Summit.
Both events were held at International Convention Centre in Sydney.
His Majesty first attended the closing of the Counter-Terrorism Conference. The ceremony began with a closing address delivered by Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia.
His Majesty was subsequently invited to join the Prime Minister of Australia as well as other Heads of State and Government of Asean to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding on Counter-Terrorism between Asean and Australia.
Signing on behalf of Asean was Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of Asean and for Australia was Julie Bishop MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.
Immediately after the conference, His Majesty proceeded to the Grand Ballroom Foyer together with the Prime Minister of Australia and other Heads of State and Government of Asean for the leaders’ welcome reception and official opening ceremony of the Asean-Australia Special Summit.
Upon arrival, the leaders received the ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony performed by an indigenous Australian.
The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks by the Prime Minister of Australia. It was followed by traditional cultural performances to officially welcome Asean leaders to Australia.
The ceremony was also attended by foreign ministers as well as chief executive officers from Asean and Australia.