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 departed Washington DC, United States (US) after attending the ASEAN-US Special Summit last Friday. 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 the Joint Base Andrews Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the US Dato Paduka Haji Serbini bin Haji Ali.
During the visit to Washington DC, His Majesty attended a working luncheon hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris, during which leaders discussed maritime cooperation, as well as pandemic and health recovery.
His Majesty encouraged ASEAN and the US to remain committed to peaceful engagements through dialogues and consultations over various ASEAN-led mechanisms to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
His Majesty attended the ASEAN-US Special Summit at the Department of State.
Plenary Session One was chaired by the US Vice President and discussed climate action, clean energy transformation and sustainable infrastructure. During the session, His Majesty welcomed the US’ engagement in climate change initiatives in the region.
Plenary Session Two was chaired by US President Joe Biden and discussed regional and global issues, as well as ASEAN-US relations in the future and issues on the Indo-Pacific region.
At the session, His Majesty welcomed the US’ renewed commitment to ASEAN and expressed confidence that ASEAN-US relations will continue to advance towards a future that is peaceful, prosperous and full of opportunities.
At the special summit, the ASEAN-US Special Summit Joint Vision Statement was adopted.
