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 attended a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at The Lodge on Monday, and discussed bilateral matters of mutual importance to both countries including the cooperation in cybersecurity, climate change and food security.
Prior to His Majesty’s meeting with the prime minister, His Majesty signed the Joint Declaration on the comprehensive partnership between the Government of Brunei Darussalam and Australia, with the prime minister.
The Joint Declaration will formalise the elevation of ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia to a comprehensive partnership, which focusses on the existing areas of cooperation, in economy, defence, education, maritime and people-to-people exchanges, as well as new collaboration in cybersecurity, food security and climate change. Both sides will develop a Plan of Action to chart a future strategic direction of ties in the coming years.
His Majesty’s state visit to Australia also included attending a wreath laying ceremony; state welcoming ceremony; courtesy call with the Governor-General of Australia; state luncheon; and dinner.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
Earlier in the morning, His Majesty attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
The arrival of His Majesty was greeted by Director of the Australian War Memorial Matt Anderson. His Majesty then laid a wreath at the memorial.
The Australian War Memorial has a commemorative area, a museum and an archive to honour the sacrifice of Australians who died in war or on operational service and those who have served Australia in times of conflict.
STATE WELCOMING CEREMONY
His Majesty began the state visit with the welcoming ceremony held at Government House.
His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by Governor-General of Australia General David John Hurley AC DSC (Rtd), and accompanied by a 21 gun salute. The ceremony began with His Majesty proceeding to a special dais to receive the salute of honour accompanied by the national anthem of Brunei Darussalam. The ceremony continued with the inspection of the guard of honour mounted by members of the Australian Defence Force.
His Majesty was then introduced to Australian dignitaries, followed with the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the Governor-General of Australia.
COURTESY CALL WITH GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA
Following the state welcoming ceremony, His Majesty attended a courtesy call with the Governor-General of Australia during which the two leaders welcomed the further strengthening of bilateral relations in existing areas of cooperation such as defence, education and people-to-people exchanges, as well as the exploration of cooperation in new areas of mutual interest to both countries.
STATE LUNCHEON
After the courtesy call, His Majesty attended a state luncheon hosted by the Governor-General of Australia at Government House.
At the state luncheon, His Majesty delivered a titah to express deep appreciation to the Governor-General of Australia as well as the government and people of Australia for the warm welcome and excellent arrangements made for His Majesty’s visit. The monarch then highlighted that Brunei and Australia continue to share a close and excellent relationship, marked by mutual respect and understanding.
In addition, Australia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei in 1984 and the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership is timely with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Australia next year.
As Brunei’s top trading partner in 2022, His Majesty welcomed Australian investments in the Sultanate’s diversification efforts and looked forward to the outcomes of the ASEAN-Australia Business Forum in Sydney next week.
His Majesty expressed pleasure on the exploration of new areas such as climate change, cybersecurity and food security.
His Majesty also expressed appreciation to Australia for its assistance in providing vaccines and steady supply of food during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, His Majesty believed that the relations and cooperation built together will ensure resilience against
future challenges.
In ending the titah, His Majesty highlighted that Brunei has always valued the friendship that Australia has shown to the country in ASEAN, as the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established during Brunei’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021. To this end, His Majesty looked forward to further enhancing the important partnership in the coming years.
Prior to this, the Governor-General of Australia delivered a speech during which he highlighted that His Majesty’s visit to Australia demonstrates the strength of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Australia, as well as shared commitment to regional institutions and an open, rules-based trade.
In addition, the two countries have continued to work together in addressing shared challenges, including climate change, food security, mental health, and regional stability.
Before leaving Government House, His Majesty was bade farewell by the Governor-General of Australia.
DINNER
In the evening, His Majesty attended a dinner hosted by the prime minister at The Lodge.
DEPARTURE TO MELBOURNE
Following the events, His Majesty then left Canberra to continue the state visit in Melbourne and Darwin.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Prior to leaving for Melbourne, a Doa Selamat was recited by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
