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 received the National Gold Medal, the highest conferment bestowed to Leaders, in recognition of His Majesty’s contributions and dedication towards the strengthening of bilateral relations between Brunei and Laos over the past 30 years.
The medal was conferred by Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith in a ceremony yesterday.
The event proceeded with a titah, in which His Majesty expressed appreciation for the conferment of the prestigious award of the National Gold Medal.
The monarch also reaffirmed that beyond the 30 years of friendship, the Sultanate cherishes the warm and friendly ties with Laos.
His Majesty also recalled the president’s state visit to Brunei last year, which reflects mutual commitment by the two countries in laying an important foundation to the establishment of the Strategic Partnership which was just signed.
Brunei and Laos have worked closely together on regional and international affairs, including ASEAN, sharing common positions on issues of mutual concern.
To this end, the Sultanate extends full support to Laos as the Chairman of ASEAN in 2024.
Meanwhile, the president shared that the National Gold Medal is conferred to Heads of States and Leaders with outstanding contributions in developing relations with the country.
The president deeply appreciated His Majesty’s contributions in further strengthening the much-valued cooperation between both countries over the past 30 years.
Earlier in the morning, His Majesty attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Vientiane.
His Majesty was greeted by Mayor of Vientiane Capital Athsphangthong Siphandone. His Majesty then laid a wreath at the monument.
The monument was built to commemorate the fallen soldiers and people who lost their lives during the country’s struggle for independence.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs as Minister-in-Attendance Saleumxay Kommasith was also present.
His Majesty also attended the official state welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace “Hor Kham”, and was welcomed by the President of Laos.
The ceremony began with both leaders proceeding to the special dais to receive the salute of honour accompanied by the national anthem of both countries.
The ceremony continued with the inspection of the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Lao People’s Armed Forces.
His Majesty was then introduced to Laos Cabinet ministers, followed with the introduction of Brunei’s delegation to the president.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty and the president attended a bilateral meeting and discussed socio-economic developments, bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.
His Majesty expressed appreciation to the Laos President for the warm welcome and excellent arrangements for the state visit, as well as expressed pleasure to be back in Laos since the monarch’s last visit in 2016.
Furthermore, the signing of the Strategic Partnership will chart the future direction of relations between both countries, thus His Majesty looked forward to continue working together to further enhance the goodwill and friendship between the two countries.
Prior to this, the president in his opening remarks expressed appreciation to His Majesty for the warm welcome and hospitality extended during his state visit to Brunei in October last year.
His Majesty’s state visit to Laos marks a historic milestone towards elevating bilateral ties between both countries, in commemoration with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
His Majesty also attended the signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration, in which His Majesty consented to sign the Joint Declaration of a Strategic Partnership between Brunei and Laos, with the president.
The Joint Declaration marks a new chapter in relations between both countries in political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, socio-cultural, regional and international issues.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
