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 made a state visit to Cambodia.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
AUDIENCE CEREMONY WITH CAMBODIA’S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF THE ROYAL PALACE
Earlier in the morning, His Majesty received in audience Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace of Cambodia Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Som Ol, who presented the state visit programme and invitation card as well as two baskets of flowers from King of Cambodia His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni; and Her Majesty Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.
Also present were Privy Councillor of His Majesty the King Norodom Sihamoni and Senior Minister in charge of the General Affairs to the Royal Palace Kuy Sophal and Senior Minister in charge of Special Mission Okhna Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan as Minister-in-Attendance.
WELCOMING CEREMONY AND ROYAL AUDIENCE
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam began the state visit with a welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the royal palace was welcomed by His Majesty the King of Cambodia.
Their Majesties then proceeded to the special dais to receive the salute of honour accompanied by the national anthems of both countries, and a 21-gun salute.
This was followed by an inspection of the royal guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was then introduced to Cabinet ministers of Cambodia, followed with the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to His Majesty the King of Cambodia.
Their Majesties later proceeded to the Throne Hall for the royal audience.
During the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the King of Cambodia touched on matters that strengthen the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries, including cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
BILATERAL MEETING
Following the royal audience, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam proceeded to the Peace Palace for a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.
At the meeting, His Majesty congratulated Cambodia on the success of its ASEAN Chairmanship this year.
His Majesty highlighted that Brunei Darussalam and Cambodia continue to share warm and friendly ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago.
In this regard, His Majesty welcomed further opportunities to deepen cooperation in all areas, adding that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations was timely as it has provided a platform for the two sides to work together for mutual benefit.
Amid the current geopolitical uncertainties, His Majesty highlighted the importance of food and supply chain security, and expressed appreciation of Cambodia’s continued export of jasmine rice to Brunei Darussalam, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On cooperation in culture, youth and sports, His Majesty noted that both countries had MoUs in culture and fine arts, as well as youth cooperation in 2021.
His Majesty thanked the Cambodian prime minister as ASEAN Chair for his leadership towards ensuring that ASEAN’s community-building priorities were met, despite the challenging global environment.
At the end of the meeting, a joint statement was issued.
Following the meeting, His Majesty and the Cambodian prime minister witnessed an MoU signing between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of Cambodia on bilateral consultations. Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, while signing on behalf of the Government of Cambodia was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.
The MoU aims to establish a Joint Commission for Bilateral Consultations (JCBC) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia to promote consultations and bilateral cooperation.
The JCBC will facilitate consultations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and promote the implementation of the agreements concluded between the two countries.
The JCBC will also cooperate and exchange views on bilateral and international matters on a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, health, tourism, culture, youth, sports, human resource development and any other areas as may be mutually agreed upon by both sides.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES
In separate events held earlier yesterday, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended two wreath-laying ceremonies at two different monuments in Phnom Penh.
His Majesty first proceeded to the Independence Monument, where His Majesty was greeted by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Defense Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh. His Majesty then laid a wreath at the monument.
The Independence Monument, which was built in 1958, is an Angkorian-style tower to memorialise Cambodia’s independence in 1953 as well as to honour those who died while defending the country.
Shortly after, His Majesty visited the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial – located east of the Independence Monument – where His Majesty was greeted by Kuy Sophal. His Majesty then laid a wreath at the monument.
The Norodom Sihanouk Memorial – also known as the Monument of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the late King-Father of Cambodia – is dedicated to King Norodom Sihanouk following his accomplishment in gaining the independence of Cambodia on November 9, 1953.
STATE LUNCHEON
During the state visit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also attended a luncheon hosted by His Majesty the King of Cambodia, at Preah Reach Damnak Serei Mongkol, Royal Palace Ground.
