| Azlan Othman |
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 morning held a morning excursion and breakfast with Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad.
Also joining the excursion was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Upon arrival at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof. Also present was Minister of Finance II as the Minister-in-Attendance Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.
His Majesty then welcomed the Malaysian Prime Minister on arrival at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas.
At the start of the event, His Majesty and the Malaysian Premier signed a plaque to commemorate the official visit to the country. This was followed by the watering of a tree called Garcinia subelliptica, also known as the Happiness Tree, which signifies the longstanding friendly ties between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
During the morning excursion, His Majesty and Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir were invited for a group photo session with delegations from Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Both leaders then toured Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. His Majesty and Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir later proceeded for a breakfast at The Horizons Seafood Restaurant.
Prior to leaving, His Majesty and Tun Dato Laila Utama Dr Mahathir signed a commemorative parchment. Also present were High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha, and Charge d’Affaires who is also Minister Counsellor at the High Commission of Malaysia in Brunei Darussalam Rafedah binti Abdul Aziz.