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, commenced an official State Visit to the Republic of Peru on Tuesday, marking a significant chapter in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Ceremonial start at the Park of the Heroes
The State Visit began with a solemn Floral Offering Ceremony at Parque del los Proceres de la Independencia (Park of the Heroes of Independence) in Lima. His Majesty was received by President of the Council of Ministers of Peru Gustavo Lino Adrianzén, before proceeding to the memorial site to honour the nation’s heroes.
The park, inaugurated in 1971, holds deep historical significance as it commemorates Peru’s fight for independence.
Official Welcome at Government Palace
His Majesty was accorded a formal welcome at the Palacio de Gobierno by President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra. The ceremony included the inspection of a Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Brunei and Peru.
His Majesty was also introduced to members of the Peruvian cabinet, while President Boluarte was introduced to the Brunei delegation.
High-level bilateral discussions
In a pivotal bilateral meeting held at Tupac Amaru Hall, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for Peru’s warm hospitality and highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral ties. Noting that this visit marked the monarch’s third to Peru, His Majesty reaffirmed the mutual commitment to cooperation, particularly in trade and economic development through shared platforms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
His Majesty underscored the importance of people-to-people connections and praised the existing visa waiver arrangements that foster greater exchanges. His Majesty also spoke of potential collaborations in education, defence, and climate change, emphasising Brunei’s ASEAN Centre for Climate Change as an example of regional commitment to sustainability.
Signings and recognition
A significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Consultations and Judiciary Cooperation, witnessed by both leaders. The MoU, signed by Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmer Schialer Salcedo, paves the way for deeper diplomatic collaboration.
His Majesty was also conferred the ‘Grand Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru’, the nation’s highest honour, recognising his dedication to fostering ties between Brunei and Peru. His Majesty expressed gratitude for the accolade, describing it as a symbol of the enduring friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
Symbolic engagements and cultural exchange
In a meaningful gesture, His Majesty met with Mayor of Lima Rafael López Aliaga, and received the Key to the City of Lima. His Majesty acknowledged the hospitality of the city and noted Lima’s transformation as an inspiration for urban development.
At the Palacio Legislativo, His Majesty met with President of the Congress Eduardo Salhuana Cavides, and was conferred the Congressional Medal of Honour, the highest recognition bestowed by the Peruvian Congress. His Majesty expressed appreciation for the honour, viewing it as a testament to the strong ties shared by the two nations.
Final engagements
His Majesty concluded the State Visit with a meeting at the Palacio de Justicia with President of the Supreme Court Javier Arévalo Vela. The visit concluded with His Majesty signing the Visitor’s Book, a symbolic gesture marking the successful completion of the State Visit.
Brunei Darussalam’s engagement with Peru, exemplified by the State Visit, reinforces the Sultanate’s commitment to strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration that contribute to global peace and prosperity.
