A DELEGATION from the Australian Parliament concluded their visit to Brunei on Wednesday, reaffirming the strong relations between Australia and Brunei.
During the visit, delegation leader Rowan Ramsey toge-ther with Ian Goodenough, Julian Hill and Senator Barry O’Sullivan held talks with key Bruneian ministers to discuss opportunities to expand bilateral relations.
The delegation called on Minister of Energy and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein to explore ways to enhance Australia’s trade ties with Brunei.
Worth around USD500 million per year, the two-way trade in goods and services sees Australia importing Brunei’s oil and world-renowned blue shrimp, and Brunei importing meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables from Australia.
The delegation also met with Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof to further strengthen the close defence cooperation between the two countries.
On Tuesday, the Australian Parliament members had separate discussions with Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, and Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.
They also met with a diverse range of Bruneians – from business people with links to Australia, to Australian alumni, and residents of Kampong Ayer.
The delegation also paid a visit to the Brunei-Australia Memorial at Muara Beach, where they laid a wreath to remember all those who lost their lives in Brunei during the Second World War. – Text & Photos by the Australian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam