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 highlighted that bilateral cooperation between the Sultanate and Timor-Leste has expanded in many areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002, and looked forward to continuing the work in further enhancing the goodwill and friendship between the two countries.
His Majesty said this during a bilateral meeting with President of Timor-Leste Dr José Ramos-Horta at Baitul Mesyuarah yesterday.
Prior to this, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office proceeded with the President of Timor-Leste from The Empire Brunei to Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty welcomed Dr José Ramos-Horta on the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty and the President of Timor-Leste received the salute of honour on the special dais, accompanied with the national anthems of both countries and a 21-gun salute.
The two leaders then inspected the guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
Dr José Ramos-Horta was then introduced to members of the royal family; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Special Advisor to His Majesty; Cabinet ministers; members of the Privy Council; deputy ministers; Commissioner of Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force; Commander of the RBAF; foreign envoys in Brunei Darussalam; members of the Legislative Council; and permanent secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His Majesty was then introduced to members of the Timor-Leste delegation, including the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister for Tourism and Environment; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
AUDIENCE CEREMONY
His Majesty proceeded with Dr José Ramos-Horta to Cheradi Laila Kenchana for the audience ceremony attended by members of the royal family, as well as the Timor-Leste delegation.
FOUR-EYE MEETING
Next, His Majesty held a four-eye meeting with the President of Timor-Leste, in which both leaders discussed on further strengthening bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste, as well as issues of mutual importance to both countries.
BILATERAL MEETING
His Majesty then held a bilateral meeting with Dr José Ramos-Horta at Baitul Mesyuarah.
His Majesty extended a warm welcome to the President of Timor-Leste on his first state visit to the Sultanate, and highlighted that his last visit was more than 20 years ago. His Majesty stated that the state visit reflects the long-standing friendship and commitment in bringing both countries closer together.
The monarch also highlighted that bilateral cooperation has expanded in many areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002, and therefore looked forward to continuing the work in further enhancing the goodwill and friendship between both countries.
Dr José Ramos-Horta then delivered a speech expressing gratitude to His Majesty for the warm welcome and hospitality.
The President of Timor-Leste also highlighted His Majesty’s support towards Timor-Leste’s nation-building process and regional integration into ASEAN. In this regard, the state visit offers the opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral relations; regional and global issues; as well as to explore ways to further strengthen and deepen relations.
The two leaders also emphasised the importance of existing cooperation including in areas of education and people-to-people exchanges, and welcomed the strengthening of relations in health and energy cooperation as well as the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the employment/recruitment of Timor-Leste workers to Brunei Darussalam.
In addition, the Sultanate will offer two annual post-graduate scholarships over the next three years at selected tertiary institutions for Timorese students to further their studies in the country beginning in 2024.
Discussions also centred on the Sultanate’s continued support towards the accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, and touched on regional and international developments.
SIGNING CEREMONY OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Following the bilateral meeting, His Majesty and Dr José Ramos-Horta witnessed the signing ceremony of a MoU between the Government of His Majesty and the Government of Timor-Leste on the employment/recruitment of Timor-Leste workers to Brunei Darussalam.
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, while the Government of Timor-Leste was represented by Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister for Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah witnessed the signing ceremony.
