News: 04/07/2008

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His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah has said the close relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand has benefited both countries’ people.  His Majesty made the titah last night at a banquet, in honour of the Thailand Prime Minister, His Excellency Samak Sundaravej’s visit to the country.  The banquet was held at Istana Nurul Iman.  

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam welcomed His Excellency Samak Sundaravej upon arrival at the palace and first granted an audience ceremony.  Present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik.  Also present were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

His Majesty and His Excellency then held a bilateral discussion.  Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1984, various fields of cooperation have included trade and investment, human resource development, education, technical training and air services.  Last year, trade cooperation between Brunei and Thailand reached more than $300 million.  Relations between the two countries were strengthened further with exchanges of visits at various levels.  His Majesty consented to attend the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne.  

His Majesty in his titah, assured Thailand of Brunei Darussalam’s everlasting commitment towards strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.  His Majesty said as the founding member of ASEAN, Thailand has special experiences and strengths to offer the association in the region’s new post-charter era and will be of enormous value when His Excellency takes over as the Chairman later this month.  In his return address, His Excellency Samak Sundaravej said this year, diplomatic relations between Brunei and Thailand reach 25 years, and can be described as full of harmony, warmth, strength and wisdom.  Brunei and Thailand signed the MOU on the establishment of Joint-Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in 1999.  In 2003, both countries agreed to cooperate further in trade and investment, social and cultural affairs, and agreed to establish the Brunei Darussalam-Thailand Business Organisation.  Both countries will continue to enjoy stronger cooperative relations for the benefit of the people of both nations...........[More News]