HIS MAJESTY HOSTS STATE BANQUET FOR NZ GOV-GEN
Izam Said Ya'akub / The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
THE strong bond between Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand highlights the importance of cooperation between smaller countries in a global context, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said last night.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
THE strong bond between Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand highlights the importance of cooperation between smaller countries in a global context, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said last night.
His Majesty was speaking during a state banquet hosted in honour of the Governor-general of New Zealand, The Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, and Her Excellency Lady Susan Satyanand and their delegation.
During the state banquet, His Majesty in a titah emphasised the strong relationship between the two countries has an impact in larger regional and international connections."Bilaterally, we have strong lasting ties in education, health and defence.""We also work together in many Commonwealth programmes, especially those directed at the special needs of small states," said His Majesty.
His Majesty added that "the regional and international commitments of Brunei and New Zealand were growing steadily", pointing towards their involvement in Asean, Asem and the East Asia Summit.
"As members (of Asem and East Asia Summit), we may be small countries but we share a joint responsibility with our great partners for planning the future direction of the world's largest region," he stressed.Sir Anand said in the century ahead, "the Asia Pacific region seems destined to play a critical role in shaping global peace and prosperity.
"Smaller countries need to work effectively and skillfully together if they are to determine their destiny in an interdependent world," said the Governor- general."This is the premise on which Asean is based, and I believe also it underpins the growing understanding between our countries," he said.
Brunei's working monarch was quick to point out that the Brunei relationship with New Zealand transcends cordial diplomatic ties. "Like all our international relations, of course, they are guided by common interests, but in the case of New Zealand, there is something far more human," said His Majesty.
His Majesty also expressed his gratitude to the contribution of New Zealand community here. "We warmly appreciate the contribution to our own development by your teachers, consultants, advisors, trainers and professional experts in so many walks of life," said the Sultan.
Sir Anand pointed out that there's a small but growing contingent of New Zealanders working in the Sultanate, who are enjoying the time spent in Brunei.
"Susan and I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting several of them and they told us how much they enjoyed living and working here," he said.
"Thus in economic diplomacy, defence, and in people-to-people linkages, the relationship our two countries can be described as strong and which has sig-nificant potential for future development," said the Governor-general.
Images by bruneidaily
HM greeted Sir Anand upon arrival
Their Royal Highnesses...(I'm very close to them last evening).
Prior to Banquet Hall at Istana Nurul Iman
HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah with YAM Pengiran Bini Hajah Faezah
Among the guests were the state dignitaries
As well as the foreign diplomats
Doa selamat was read by the State's Mufti
They were tough enough to stand for almost an hour (or maybe more)
Stands still for the national anthem
But this guys, stomach in-chest out for two hours (or maybe even more!)
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