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 Asean-Australia Special Summit 2018 which was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
Upon arrival at the Convention Centre, His Majesty joined Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia and the other Asean leaders for a group photograph.
After the photo session, His Majesty, along with other Asean leaders, was invited to attend the ‘New Colombo Plan’ Afternoon Tea which was co-hosted by Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.
The reception began with a speech by the Prime Minister of Australia, followed by a speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia. The monarch was subsequently invited by Nicola Rosenblum, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam to meet with four selected students.
The event was also attended by participants of the New Colombo Plan and Australian Heads of Mission to the Asean member states.
The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian government towards increasing the exchange of Australian university students in the Indo-Pacific region.
The plan was launched in 2014 with the aim of promoting the growth of knowledge on the Indo-Pacific region in Australia, by giving Australian students the opportunity to study and undergo internship work in the region.
His Majesty also attended a leader’ dinner yesterday evening hosted by the Australian Prime Minister. The event was held at Quay Restaurant, Circular Quay, Sydney.
Upon arrival at the restaurant, His Majesty was welcomed by the Prime Minister of Australia.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Green Room together with the Australian Prime Minister and other Asean heads of state and government.
The dinner commenced with a speech by the Prime Minister of Australia to welcome all Asean leaders and delegates attending the Asean-Australia Special Summit 2018. At the dinner, the leaders discussed the future direction of Asean-Australia relationship.