His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said as well as working together as members of ASEAN, Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are also developing much-valued bilateral relations. His Majesty made the titah at a state banquet to honour the visiting Prime

Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Excellency Mr. Bounnhang Vorachith. The banquet took place Wednesday night at Istana Nurul Iman.

His Majesty said the much valued bilateral relations are especially so in what are often referred to as people-to-people contacts. His Majesty believes this is the basis upon which lasting good relations are founded. It gives human warmth and understanding to the many formal documents the governments of the two countries have signed. Cultural activities, sporting events or in day-to-day business

His Majesty in the titah also expressed the belief that at a more formal level, both Brunei Darussalam and Laos are making sound progress together. His Majesty expressed his pleasure to see a number of Lao students in Brunei especially those involved in the training available through the technical assistance programme under the initiative for ASEAN integration.

His Majesty hopes the two countries joint commission also provides a practical way to share ideas and put forward new proposals, particularly in trade and investment, education and culture and in the development of tourism industries. His Majesty also said that the relations between Brunei and Lao People’s Democratic Republic are purposeful and practical. This, His Majesty said, benefits partners who are closely involved in the bold plans for the future by the regional association.

His Excellency and wife, Mrs. Khammmeung Vorachith were welcomed to the banquet by His Majesty and Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha. Before proceeding to the banquet hall, His Majesty and Her Majesty consented to grant an audience to His Excellency and wife.

Present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Abdul Azim, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen. Also gracing the banquet were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

The Lao Prime Minister in his reply said since his country became a member of ASEAN, the government of Brunei Darussalam and in particular His Majesty the Sultan has attached importance to the relationship by providing assistance to Laos in human resources development and various training programs. His Excellency also hoped that in years ahead, the cooperation in the fields of human resources development, economy, trade, tourism and others will be further increased for the benefits of the people of both countries.

Diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic were established on the 27th of July 1993. The relations were further upgraded by the setting up of Brunei Darussalam's Embassy in Vientiane on 26th February 1997 and on the 10th of April 1997 when Laos opened up its mission in Brunei Darussalam.

During last year's ASEAN summit in Vientiane, His Majesty was awarded the Victory Medal, the highest distinction of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Brunei Darussalam and Laos have signed agreements including diplomatic visa exemption, air transport and establishment of the Laos-Brunei Darussalam Friendship Association.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, have consented to receive in audience the Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith and Mrs. Khammmeung Vorachith, currently in the country on an official visit.

The audience ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon at Istana Nurul Iman.

Present at the audience were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah.

The Lao President visited Brunei Darussalam in 1998 as part of an introductory tour of ASEAN countries following his country's admission as a new member of the regional grouping. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Lao Premier later held a four-eye meeting.

Brunei Darussalam and Laos are situated in the same region and also share similar aspects in some of their history and cultures. Since the formation of diplomatic relations between the two ASEAN neighbours, bilateral cooperation between them has also been enhanced. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed the strong ties between Brunei Darussalam and Laos in a titah during His Majesty's visit to Laos. His Majesty also assured of Brunei's continued assistance to Laos.

Earlier, the Prime Minister of Laos and delegation were welcomed on arrival at the Brunei International Airport by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah.

His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith and his wife, Mrs. Khammeung Vorachith, were accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses to the special dais to receive the Royal Salute. The Laos Prime Minister later inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.

His Excellency was then introduced to Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Heads of Foreign Missions in Brunei Darussalam, Permanent Secretaries of the Prime Ministers Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as senior government officials. Later Their Royal Highnesses were also introduced to members of the visiting delegation.

His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Wednesday consented to visit the Brunei Garrison Headquarters and the Second Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Seria.

Upon arrival at the Garrison Sports Pitch in Seria, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri were welcomed by the Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Rigden and Mrs. Zoe Rigden; the British High Commissioner His Excellency Andrew Caie; the British Defence Adviser Captain Paddy Watson; the Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Forces, Pehin Colonel Dato Haji Abdu'r Rahmani; as well as the Belait District Officer, Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussop bin Bakar.

Shortly after their arrival at the Tuker Lines, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince received the royal salute and consented to inspect a guard of honour mounted by personnel of the Second Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles. This was followed by the signing of the souvenir book by Their Royal Highnesses.

Nearly 300 local civilians work at the Tuker Lines. His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness heard a briefing on the operations and backgrounds of the Tuker Lines. The briefing was given by Lieutenant Colonel Ian Rigden. The Association of the Brigade of Gurkhas with Brunei dates back to 1962. In addition to the resident Gurkha Infantry Battalion, specialist organisations were formed to augment the Battalion's capability.

From the Tuker Lines, His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri went on separate programmes. For His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, it was off to the Bukit Puan Bridge to observe jungle training activities and garrison capabilities. His Royal Highness was accompanied at the training ground by the Garrison Commander.

Here, His Royal Highness was welcomed by Captain J. Murray and proceeded to view a military demonstration. His Royal Highness also consented to view a Static Exhibition of the 7th Flight Army Air Corps called "Op Garron". The operation involved units in the Humanitarian Aid Mission for the tsunami victims in Aceh. His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah also consented to board a "hard hull riverine craft" used for river boat.

While His Royal Highness the Crown Prince watched jungle military training, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Sarah consented to tour the Hornbill School nearby. On arrival, the royal visitor was greeted by the School Headmistress, Mrs. Kathy Wood. In honour of the royal visit, school children performed a variety of stage shows

comprising dances, music and art at the assembly hall. The school caters to children of the Gurkha and British army. Currently, some 270 children aged between three and eleven years old attend the school. Her Royal Highness also consented to receive a pesambah and unveiled a new plaque for the school.

From the Hornbill school, Her Royal Highness paid a visit to the Families Community Centre of the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Welcoming Her Royal Highness was the Gurkha Major Harkaraj Rai and his wife Mrs. Shreelaxmi Rai. At the centre, Her Royal Highness mingled with the wives of the Gurkha army personnel, and had the opportunity to view handicrafts by families at the Brunei Garrison.

The Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2005 will see Myanmar play against Thailand in the final match, after a 2-0 victory over Vietnam in the semi-final match at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas Wednesday night.

Myanmar dominated the match from the beginning and scored in the 22nd minute of the first half through Zaw Zaw. Myanmar scored its second goal in the 84th minute through Myo Min Tun.

Prizes for the 3rd place were awarded after the match, to both Vietnam and Laos, who had lost to Thailand in the earlier semi final match. Both teams received a bronze medal and five thousand dollars cash prize. Prizes were handed over by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal.

The finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy will take place Friday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.