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 afternoon attended the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits and handing over of the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia, which was held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. The closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits and handing over of the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia began with a closing statement by Laos Prime Minister as ASEAN Chair Sonexay Siphandone. Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed appreciation to all leaders in attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits.
The Laos prime minister then handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim through the passing of the ASEAN Chair’s Gavel as the symbolic handover to Malaysia as incoming ASEAN Chair in 2024.
Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his speech, among other things, commended His Majesty as the most senior and outstanding leader of ASEAN.
The Malaysian prime minister also outlined the country’s priorities during its ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
This was followed with a video presentation from Malaysia as ASEAN Chair in 2025.
DEPARTURE FROM VIENTIANE
Following the closing ceremony, His Majesty left Vientiane, Laos after attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Prior to departure, a Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned. Present at Wattay International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Laos Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Professor Dr Linkham Douangsavanh. Also present was Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Laos Haji Roslan bin Haji Yacub.
