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 expressed satisfaction that ASEAN has continued to promote regional peace, stability and economic prosperity.
“ASEAN has also pursued an inclusive regional architecture, which has benefitted ASEAN and its partners, and enabled positive engagement across the region,” said the monarch in a speech at the 33rd ASEAN Summit Plenary Session at the Suntec Convention Centre in Singapore.
“ASEAN must continue to take the lead in shaping the future of the region, and addressing issues of common concerns such as regional peace and security, the Korean Peninsula and the promotion of free and open trade in the face of rising protectionism and anti-globalisation sentiments.
“In this regard, I emphasise the importance of concluding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations.”
His Majesty then commended Singapore for hosting the historic Summit between President Donald J Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un this year, while expressing the hope that next year’s ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit would provide the opportunity for further discussions on peace and security within the region and the Korean Peninsula.
“This would benefit ASEAN’s strategic value in terms of building trust and confidence amongst countries,” said His Majesty.
“I also believe that the most important aspect for ASEAN to lead is in the upholding of the collective efforts approach, which should bring tangible benefits to the people.
“Cooperation under ASEAN and its processes can build bridges of understanding and foster mutual trust among the people, which is vital for the region’s long-term success.”
His Majesty also expressed his appreciation for the Guidelines on Third Country Consular Assistance, which will be adopted in the Declaration of the meeting.
“I believe efforts like this will bring meaningful benefit to the people of ASEAN and key to ensuring ASEAN’s long term success,” said the monarch. “Brunei Darussalam remains committed to working with ASEAN partners towards realising common goals, and I offer full support to the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thailand’s chairmanship next year.”
The arrival of His Majesty at the Suntec Convention Centre was officially welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, and his wife, Ho Ching.
The ASEAN Summit Plenary began with welcoming remarks by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the Chairman of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, followed by the ASEAN progress report presented by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi.
Earlier, His Majesty attended the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, together with the other ASEAN heads of state and government.
The opening ceremony began with a choir performance of the ASEAN anthem, followed by an opening statement from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Chairman of ASEAN.
The ceremony continued with the inaugural presentation of the ASEAN Prize by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Chairman of ASEAN to Chair Emeritus of Autism Society Philippines Erlinda Uy Koe, a leader of one of the most vibrant disability organisations in the Republic of the Philippines.
The ASEAN Prize, which was launched on September 26 this year, is an award that recognises the contributions and support of individuals or organisations towards promoting intra-ASEAN collaboration as well as between ASEAN and the whole world.
After the ceremony, His Majesty consented to join other leaders of ASEAN and the Secretary-General of ASEAN for a group photograph.
Later, His Majesty together with other ASEAN leaders attended the presentation by ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
Before the session, His Majesty consented to join other leaders of ASEAN as well as the ABAC representatives for a group photograph.
At the ABAC Session, His Majesty first congratulated the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore on the successful chairmanship of ASEAN this year.
His Majesty then congratulated the Chairman of the ABAC Dr Robert Yap for his presentation, while stating that Brunei Darussalam is pleased with the initatives carried out by ABAC especially on this year’s project, Smart Growth Connect, which was timely introduced as ASEAN works to capitalise on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and to further integrate and connect.
“ABAC’s active role as the voice of the region’s private sector, especially for the micro, small and medium entreprises (MSMEs), is important and therefore, I hope that ABAC will carry on its good work, as ASEAN undertakes efforts to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” said His Majesty.
His Majesty then attended the Working Dinner hosted for ASEAN heads of state and government by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore in conjunction with the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.