His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is looking forward to working closely with all members of East Asia Summit countries. His Majesty says what was being seen today was a growing sense of ‘togetherness’ in Asia be it in the political, economic and security matters. His Majesty expressed this hope at the First East Asia Summit, EAS, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The first EAS brings together leaders of ASEAN, Australia, the People’s Republic of China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand. The summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honorable Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. EAS leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues and how the EAS would function as a regional process.
 

At the summit’s retreat, His Majesty congratulated Malaysia for hosting the inaugural East Asia Summit. His Majesty noted that Malaysia had been instrumental in bringing about this historic gathering. His Majesty further stated that the setting up of the East Asia Summit was a logical and strategic development of many regional processes such as ASEAN, ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation and the ASEAN Regional Forum. In this context, His Majesty stated that EAS would define itself over time and help shape the future of the region. His Majesty felt that the EAS should take a modest and flexible approach so that everyone would feel comfortable with each other. His Majesty further explained that the EAS should begin as a forum where all parties could enhance dialogue amongst themselves and work closely together, reach common understanding and share responses in matters of strategic interest.

With regard to the subjects to be discussed by the EAS, His Majesty stated that the EAS might wish to focus on broader, more strategic issues, covering political, economic and development areas. His Majesty said that a comprehensive approach was required in looking at these subject matters. This was because in the last twelve months, the region had witnessed major natural disasters, environmental problems, the continued threat of terrorism, escalating oil prices, the onset of infectious diseases and a host of development concerns.
 

His Majesty further stated that for these problems to be managed effectively it was important for all concerned to work very closely together right across the region and even beyond. His Majesty also emphasized the necessity of the collective action that could be achieved by working together with close friends, neighbours and partners.

His Majesty then suggested that, in the long term, the EAS could also gradually consider more substantive cooperative activities covering political and economic areas. His Majesty also suggested that the EAS must offer confidence to the people as the overall well-being of the region was not only defined by political and economic concerns but also increasingly in terms of human security.

In this context, His Majesty felt that the EAS could also contribute to overall peace and prosperity in the region as essentially this was about closer cooperation in all areas, complementing and adding value to the work done by ASEAN, the ASEAN Plus Three and other regional processes. His Majesty further added that every effort should be taken to assure everyone that this summit was open and outward-looking and was aimed at promoting international peace and stability with the basis of ensuring that it was the people who should benefit from the summit.

Finally, His Majesty expressed his appreciation to partner countries for the confidence placed in ASEAN and added that ASEAN looked forward to working and consulting closely with colleagues in ensuring the success of the EAS.

At the end of the East Asian Summit, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, together with other leaders signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit. Accompanying His Majesty at the East Asian Summit was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
 

The Declaration stated that the EAS will primarily focus on fostering dialogue and cooperation in strategic, political and security issues, promoting development, financial stability, energy security, economic integration and growth, eradicating poverty and narrowing the development gap in East Asia and promoting deeper cultural understanding.
 

Leaders of the EAS countries also adopted the East Asia Summit Declaration on Avian Influenza, Control and Response. According to the Declaration, leaders declared that the EAS countries will take every effort in dealing with the Avian Influenza problem.

At the 4th ASEAN-India Summit held Tuesday afternoon in Kuala Lumpur, the leaders discussed issues of regional and international importance and reviewed the progress of cooperation between ASEAN and India. At the summit, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, expressed his satisfaction with the way ASEAN-India relations were progressing, in particular, the signing of the ASEAN-India partnership document last year which reflects the commitment of both sides to strengthen the dialogue relations.

His Majesty then attended the first ASEAN-Russia Summit. The summit among others reviewed the status of ASEAN-Russia cooperation and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. In His Majesty’s remarks, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for Russia’s commitment and strong interest in the development of the region. His Majesty stated that the summit was a major step forward for ASEAN and Russia for it showed a strong desire on both sides to build peace, stability and prosperity. His Majesty noted that the summit would give strong impetus and add substance to the existing ties especially at a time when ASEAN and Russia were facing many complex challenges such as the threat of terrorism, infectious diseases and the effects of natural disasters.

His Majesty further expressed his appreciation to Russia’s contribution to the security in the region by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum. His Majesty added that improving economic relations would make that relationship more complete. It was in that context that His Majesty welcomed the Agreement on the Economic and Development Cooperation. His Majesty further stated that another area that needs attention was in the social and cultural field in order to promote better understanding and greater awareness of each other’s cultures and traditions. His Majesty finally said that Russia was an important strategic partner in various political areas.

Later, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to join leaders of ASEAN and Russia in signing the ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership.
 

The Joint Declaration reflects efforts by ASEAN and Russia to enhance their dialogue partnership. Attached to the joint declaration is a Programme of Action which outlines specific areas of cooperation to be pursued by ASEAN and Russia. The Joint Declaration serves as a good basis to build many valuable future ties. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Azrinaz Mazhar attended a gala dinner at one of the leading hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
 

The dinner was hosted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in honour of the leaders attending the 11th ASEAN Summit and related summits. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik.

The preparation of the Telisai and Danau Local Plan is aimed at underlining the strategy and development policy for the area until the year 2025. The main vision of the plan is to improve the local economy as well as to make Telisai and Danau as a recreational attraction for tourists, locals and foreigners.

The Exhibition of the Telisai and Danau Local Plan is being held at the Tumpuan Telisai Primary School in Tutong District. The exhibition was officially opened Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary for Technical and Professional Matters at the Ministry of Development, Awang Haji Mohamad Said. In his speech, he said plans on development programmes are vital as they serve as a guide to land usage and the types of development to be implemented. This importance is further underscored as planning ensures that land commodity, which is limited, is utilised orderly and that any development taking place is well organised for future generation.

The three-day proposal exhibition is a part of consultancy process designed to get response and feed backs from the residents of Kampung Telisai and Danau on the plan which is based on the outcome of a feasibility study on the Telisai and Danau Development.

According to the Head of Planning Development Section, Town and Country Planning Department, Dayangku Rosimah binti Pengiran Mohamad, the preparation project began at the end of last year and should be completed by the end of this year. She said the proposed strategies, if implemented, would open job opportunities for the local residents and others with expertise in the proposed facilities and services.

The Ministry of Health in its efforts to enhance public awareness on the danger of possible bird flu pandemic, Wednesday presented various topics at a roadshow, one of which focused on avian influenza and the bird flu pandemic.

The talk on the avian influenza was delivered by a senior medical officer, Doctor Roslina Haji Metussin. In her presentation, Doctor Roslina pointed out that the number of countries affected by the avian flu is increasing as does the number of humans infected with the disease by animals. She said that presently almost the whole human race has no natural defence system against the disease.

She also spelled out preventive measures, such as the quarantining of infected poultry and destruction of infected or potentially exposed flocks. These are standard precautions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus to other farms. Apart from being highly contagious, avian influenza viruses are readily transmitted from farm to farm by mechanical means, such as by contaminated equipment, vehicles, feed, cages or clothing. Highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in the environment, especially when temperatures are low. Stringent sanitary measures on farms can, however, confer some degree of protection. Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect species other than birds and pigs.

The two-day roadshow was attended by officers of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The talk also touched on the Accident and Emergency and Health Service Centre.

Meanwhile, although Brunei Darussalam remains free from bird flu, the Agriculture Department continues its effort to intensify public awareness on the threat of the bird flu by holding roadshows in the four districts. The department also holds briefings for penghulus, village headmen and livestock breeders as well as issuing posters and leaflets concerning the H5NI pandemic to the public through government departments and the private sector. The matter was highlighted by a Veterinary Officer at the Department of Agriculture in an interview with RTB.

Doctor Diana Dennis went on to say that as a precautionary measure, the department with the cooperation of government agencies have carried out an exercise or dry run in the middle of this year with the intention of preparing a guideline for future use.

According to Dr. Diana Dennis, the Agriculture Department also carried out inspections on farms and outlets selling birds as part of preventive measures. The deadly H5N2 virus causing bird flu that is currently affecting the Asian region and other parts of the world has claimed 70 lives.

In this regard, the public is urged to report immediately any case of bird dying suddenly in dubious circumstances to the Agriculture Department, on Avian Flu Hotlines: 8984777 or 8985777.

The 10th Conference on “English in South East Asia: A Decade of Growth”, ended with a key resolution on discussing different kinds of spoken varieties in South East Asian societies.

The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam at the closing ceremony, Wednesday said English is a vibrant and growing part of the life of all in South East Asia. His speech which was read by the Acting Vice Chancellor of UBD, Doctor Haji Mohammad Yusop bin Haji Awang Damit further stated that the position of English in this region is now secure and gone beyond the debates that used to rage over whether English has a role in South East Asia. At the ceremony, speakers and participants at the three-day conference received their certificates.

Two Nepalese cyclists are in Brunei Darussalam for their mission on “Permanent Global Peace and Universal Brotherhood”. Lok Bandhu Karki, 29 years old, and his fellow traveller Dhakeswar Chhetri, 49, arrived in the country Tuesday via Miri, Sarawak. Brunei Darussalam is the 11th country they visited after Nepal, China, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

They set off for their journey on the 7th December last year on a mission to promote peace throughout the world regardless of race and religion. Both Nepalese cyclists will be in the country for two weeks before going off to Australia. They had set a target to complete their self-funded journey to 113 countries around the world by the year 2013.