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 morning attended a welcoming ceremony; bilateral meeting; the signing ceremony of memoranda of understanding (MoUs); and an official luncheon, on the occasion of His Majesty’s official visit to Thailand, at the Government House in Bangkok.
WELCOMING CEREMONY
The welcoming ceremony was held at Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, in which His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The ceremony began with the two leaders proceeding to the special dais to receive the salute of honour accompanied by the national anthems of both countries. This was followed with the inspection of the royal guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
His Majesty was then introduced to dignitaries from Thailand, followed by the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the Thai prime minister. The Cabinet ministers at the Thai government subsequently introduced themselves to His Majesty.
BILATERAL MEETING
After the welcoming ceremony, His Majesty proceeded with the Thai prime minister to Pakdi Bokdi Building for the bilateral meeting, during which His Majesty delivered a titah to express condolences and sympathies to the Thai families who have lost their loved ones in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In this regard, the monarch said Brunei Darussalam remains deeply concerned over the escalation of violence and reiterated its commitment to a long-term peace plan through the two-state solution and achieving an independent state of the Palestinian people. His Majesty also expressed hope the international community will come together and bring the conflict to an end and for humanitarian assistance to reach Palestine.
His Majesty also recalled the fruitful discussions during the prime minister’s official visit to the Sultanate last year to deepen mutually beneficial ties in numerous areas.
As Brunei Darussalam and Thailand mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations through exchanges of visits and joint activities, His Majesty highlighted the countries’ continued expansion of cooperation in many areas such as trade, education, defence and people-to-people exchanges over the past four decades.
In this regard, the monarch said, Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continued support for the supply of rice since 1971, making Thailand an important trading partner.
Therefore, the emphasis on food security and uninterrupted supply chains is more important than before amid the geopolitical uncertainties faced today, in which these can mutually benefit both countries and its people in progressing towards the future. To this end, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working closely with Thailand in deepening trade linkages in agriculture, energy as well as halal food and welcomed Thailand’s interest in developing investment ties.
His Majesty highlighted people-to-people exchanges are progressing well, including the ongoing education exchanges and the recent naval port calls by three of His Thai Majesty’s Ships (‘Bhumipol Adulyadej’, ‘Taksin’ and ‘Kraburi’). Furthermore, the resumption of direct flights between the two capitals has made it easier for the peoples of the two countries to travel to their countries.
During the bilateral meeting, His Majesty also exchanged views with the Thai prime minister on regional and international issues, including cooperation in ASEAN as well as the situation in Myanmar and developments in the Middle East. At the end of the bilateral meeting, a joint statement was issued.
THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF AN AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
His Majesty and the Thai prime minister witnessed the signing ceremony of two MoUs between His Majesty’s Government and the Thai Government:
MoU on Tourism Cooperation between the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand
The document was signed by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on behalf of the Thai Government.
MoU between Brunei Investment Agency and Thailand’s Government Pension Fund
The document was signed by Brunei Investment Agency Managing Director Haji Sofian bin Mohammad Jani on behalf of the His Majesty’s Government and Secretary General of Thailand’s Government Pension Fund Songpol Chevapanyaroj on behalf of the Thai Government.
Following the signing ceremony, His Majesty was invited to view the Thai Handicraft Exhibition showcasing local handicraft products.
THE OFFICIAL LUNCHEON
At noon, His Majesty attended the official luncheon, hosted by the Thai prime minister, where His Majesty delivered a titah expressing his happiness to visit Thailand once again, particularly in celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.
While recalling the rapid developments that have taken place in Thailand during His Majesty’s visits to the country, His Majesty added that “Amazing Thailand” has transformed into an urban economy in the agricultural, manufacturing and services sectors, thus bringing economic prosperity and development to its people.
Therefore, His Majesty believed Thailand will continue to achieve greater strides towards its ‘Vision 2030’ in becoming a global industrial hub. As this year marks four decades of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand, His Majesty said it is an opportune time to reflect their shared achievements and plan the road ahead towards a better future.
Brunei Darussalam expressed hope to continue the close and excellent relations, marked by mutual respect and understanding, as well as to work together in protecting and safeguarding the common aspirations of both countries. To this end, His Majesty expressed pleasure that Brunei-Thailand ties have been further strengthened through the signing of documents during His Majesty’s visit as this will contribute to both countries’ continued growth and development.
In addition, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working closely under the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ initiative proposed by the Thai prime minister, which will strengthen the tourism industry.
Touching on regional cooperation, His Majesty said the Sultanate is also working closely with Thailand and other ASEAN member states to advance ASEAN’s community-building efforts, particularly in promoting regional peace, security and development.
His Majesty concluded the titah by wishing the Thai prime minister and the people of Thailand continued success, progress and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Thai prime minister in his speech said His Majesty is highly respected for being the longest reigning monarch in the world, and has become an inspiration to world leaders as a result of His Majesty’s tireless commitment to the welfare, development and well-being of the people of Brunei Darussalam throughout His Majesty’s 57-year reign.
Prior to departure from the Government House, His Majesty was bade farewell by the Thai prime minister.
Accompanying His Majesty to the events was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
