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, yesterday attended an official welcome and the Prime Minister’s Reception at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Australia.
Also present was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
At the ASEAN Leaders Arrival Hall of the centre, His Majesty was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
His Majesty then joined heads of state and government of ASEAN, Australia and Timor-Leste for a group photo session and witnessed a smoking ceremony by Wurundjeri First Nations Elders, one of traditions of the Australian Indigenous community.
This was followed by the reception which commenced with a dance performance by Australian First Nations, the ASEAN anthem and Australia’s national anthem.
The event was also enlivened with a ‘Welcome to Country’ speech by Wurundjeri Elder and welcoming remarks from the Australian prime minister as well as a musical performance.
Following the reception, His Majesty attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Albanese and Jodie Haydon at the Great Hall, National Gallery of Victoria.
