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, on Friday attended the Welcoming Banquet and Opening Ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, People’s Republic of China. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty first attended the Welcoming Banquet at the Taiyangdao Hotel in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. Upon arrival, His Majesty was warmly received by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, and the First Lady. The banquet, hosted by President Xi, welcomed leaders and special guests in Harbin for the prestigious sporting event.
Opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games
In the evening, His Majesty attended the Opening Ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games at the Harbin International Conference and Exhibition and Sports Centre.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished foreign guests, including President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari; President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov; Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra; and National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik .
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by President Xi Jinping and featured cultural and dance performances under the theme “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia.” Athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia paraded in celebration of the event.
The 9th Asian Winter Games will see over 1,270 athletes competing in 11 winter sports disciplines from February 7 to 14, 2025. This marks the second time Harbin is hosting the event, following its role as the host city for the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996.
Departure from Harbin
Following the Opening Ceremony, His Majesty departed from Harbin. Prior to departure, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Present at Harbin Taiping International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were Chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Mr Lan Shaomin; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo; and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the People’s Republic of China Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Colonel (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Rahmani bin Dato Paduka Haji Basir.
His Majesty’s presence at the event underscores Brunei Darussalam’s strong ties with the People’s Republic of China and its commitment to fostering diplomatic and sporting engagements within the region.
