Lyna Mohamad
The Embassy of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Reading and Literacy Association (ReLA), launched Timor-Leste’s folklore book The Boy and The Crocodile, as part of the Cultural Stories from around the World series at the embassy yesterday.
The series aimed at promoting bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and countries around the world through the exchange and retelling of cultural stories.
Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam Abel Guterres officiated the book launch.
Ambassador of Iran to Brunei Darussalam Homeira Rigi Zirouki and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona were present.
The event began with an opening speech from Ambassador Abel Guterres followed by a speech from President of ReLA Dr Malai Zeiti binti Abdul Hamid.
The book was written by Dr Malai Zeiti, Ambassador Abel Guterres and Nasir Latif, while Aulya Syamil provided the illustration.
The Boy and The Crocodile tells the tale of a boy and a crocodile who became good friends after the boy saved the crocodile’s lives and in return, the crocodile helped the boy to search for a magical island which later became known as Timor-Leste.