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 attended the Official Welcoming Ceremony in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was held at the Presidential Palace, Hanoi.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Before arriving at the Presidential Palace, His Majesty first attended Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at two monuments.
Upon arrival at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs, His Majesty was greeted by Director of the Management Board of the Monument Pham Hai Trung. His Majesty walked past a static guard of honour before laying a wreath at the monument.
After the ceremony at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs, His Majesty then proceeded to the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Chief of the Mausoleum’s Management Board Bui Hai Son. His Majesty was then invited to lay a wreath at the mausoleum.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Presidential Palace for the Official Welcoming Ceremony of the State Visit.
Upon arrival at the grounds of the Presidential Palace, His Majesty was welcomed by President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.
Shortly after arrival, His Majesty was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
His Majesty then proceeded to the dais to receive the official salute, accompanied with the national anthems of both countries. His Majesty then inspected the guard of honour mounted by the People’s Army of Vietnam.
State Dignitaries of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were then introduced to His Majesty. This was followed by the introduction of the Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Both leaders then proceeded to the Yellow Room for a meeting. Prior to the meeting, His Majesty was invited for a commemorative photograph session.
After the meeting, His Majesty and the President proceeded to Hall ‘B’ for a bilateral meeting.
In the meeting, His Majesty and the President discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed regional issues and exchanged views on international matters of mutual importance.
After the meeting, His Majesty and the President witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Hall ‘A’.
An MoU was signed by ministers of both countries. The MoU on the Use of Hotline for Information Exchange to Address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing was signed by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong on behalf of the Government of His Majesty and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Cuong.
A joint statement between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Brunei Darusssalam was also issued.
Later in the morning, His Majesty attended a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Government Office Headquarters.
His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the Government Office Headquarters by the Prime Minister.
At the meeting, His Majesty and the Prime Minister discussed bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual importance.
The State Visit of His Majesty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam this year is the second visit of its kind to be made since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 29, 1992.