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 underscored the need to pursue initiatives that promote prosperity, sustainability and security towards a common future.
Delivering a titah at the Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in the United Kingdom, the monarch also said that the Commonwealth’s global and regional frameworks should also continue to be strengthened in increasing anti-globalisation and protectionist sentiments.
His Majesty noted that promoting trade and addressing trade barriers will help give the people greater opportunities and benefits.
The monarch reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to the multi-lateral system where trade links can be enhanced for growth and development.
His Majesty added that Brunei welcomes the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, which includes enhancing business activities, with participation by women and youth, as well as giving priority to MSME-friendly measures.
His Majesty expressed Brunei’s strong support to the Commonwealth’s efforts in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, especially the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), where best practices and new collaborations can be shared and created for forest conservation, as well as the Secretary General’s Blue Charter Initiative. Brunei, in this regard, has dedicated three of her forest reserves, which represent 22 per cent of the total land area, the monarch said.
Regarding security, His Majesty added that Brunei welcomes the Commonwealth’s initiative to address new threats and challenges in the form of cybercrime, cyberterrorism and security of data as well as the increasing occurrences of violent extremism.
“Brunei is committed to working with regional and international partners such as the Commonwealth to tackle them,” the monarch added.
His Majesty reiterated that such threats should not be attributed to any particular religion, race, nationality or ethnicity.His Majesty yesterday attended the formal opening ceremony of the CHOGM; hosted by Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the first Executive Session of CHOGM.
His Majesty first attended the formal opening ceremony of CHOGM which was held at the Buckingham Palace.
Upon arrival at the Grand Entrance, Buckingham Palace, His Majesty was greeted by Vice-Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the Royal Household, and Patricia Scotland.
The monarch then proceeded together with other heads of government to the Ballroom Hall.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, followed by remarks from Theresa May.
This was followed by speeches from Patricia Scotland and Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta as Chairman of CHOGM 2015.
Then Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, declared the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting officially open.
After the ceremony, His Majesty joined other leaders and representatives for a group photograph.
His Majesty then proceeded to Friary Court, St James’ Palace for the official welcome. Upon arrival at the venue, the monarch was greeted by Theresa May and Patricia Scotland.
After the ceremony at the Friary Court, His Majesty joined other leaders for the first Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the CHOGM Meeting Room, Lancaster House.
His Majesty arrived in the United Kingdom on Wednesday for the prestigious CHOGM which is held from April 18-20.
Upon arrival at Stansted Airport, London, His Majesty was greeted by Dennis George Wrench, Vice-Lord Lieutenant; Michael John Holloway, Special Representative of the UK Foreign Secretary; Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji MohdYusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and Pengiran Hajah Rooslina Weti binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin, Acting High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This year’s theme of the CHOGM, ‘Towards a Common Future’, focusses on strengthening the Commonwealth that is more responsive towards global challenges to deliver a more prosperous, stable, sustainable and fair future for its citizens particularly the young people.
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