| Lyna Mohamad |
BRUNEI Darussalam and Malaysia’s relations have grown from strength-to-strength at the government-to-government and people-to-people levels.
The two nations share many things in common and enjoy close ties, be it at bilateral, ASEAN, regional or at the multilateral fora.
These comments were made by Charge d’Affaires at the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam Rafedah binti Abdul Aziz at a reception in celebration of Malaysia’s 61st National Day and 55th Hari Malaysia at the Songket Ballroom of the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong last night.
The guest of honour was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin. Also in attendance was the minister’s spouse Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim.
Senior government officials, heads of missions, members of the diplomatic corps and corporate associates were also present.
Rafedah, in her welcoming speech, said the presence of the minister at the reception is a manifest of 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’s unwavering commitment and support to further strengthen the long standing bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia to a greater height.
“During the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the Sultanate last month, he said, ‘The principle of togetherness is the key to the strong relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, and I see them in the context of ‘close friends’ who have known each other for a long time’,” she added.
“Clearly, Malaysia attaches gre-at importance to its relationship with Brunei Darussalam. Malaysia appreciates and treasures the close and brotherly relations it enjoys with Brunei Darussalam in all aspects.
“On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, I take this opportunity to once again, thank the Government of His Majesty for the gracious hospitality and warm welcome extended to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and my foreign minister and delegation during his official visit to Bandar Seri Begawan on September 2-3.”
The charge d’affaires thanked His Majesty’s government for allowing Malay-sians to work and reside in Brunei.
She also conveyed her wishes for the continuing success, wellbeing and prosperity of His Majesty and members of the royal family, as well as of the people of Brunei.
Following the recitation of Doa, the reception also saw a cultural performance entitled Tarian Sambut Tamu, which is a combination of dance movements from the diverse ethnics in Sabah as the curtain raiser.
The highlight of the reception was the cake-cutting ceremony by the guest of honour and spouse along with the charge d’affaires and diplomatic corps members.