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 Tuesday evening attended a state banquet hosted by President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, on the occasion of His Majesty’s state visit to Laos.
The State Banquet was held at the Presidential Palace “Hor Kham” in Vientiane. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The arrival of His Majesty was greeted by the President of Laos.
In a titah at the state banquet, His Majesty noted the rapid developments that have taken place in Laos since His Majesty’s last state visit in 1998, the ASEM Summit in 2012, and the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane in 2016. His Majesty also said that Laos has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, transforming from ‘land-locked’ to ‘land-linked’.
His Majesty said that the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership is very timely, in deepening trade linkages between the two countries, including agricultural joint ventures and energy cooperation, towards enhancing the capacity of Brunei’s local industries as well as guaranteeing food and energy security.
His Majesty then announced that Brunei Darussalam will award two annual scholarships for Laotian students to pursue higher education beginning in 2024.
His Majesty also expressed Brunei Darussalam’s support for Laos’ Chairmanship of ASEAN and added that the “Visit Laos 2024” will allow visitors to experience the country. To this end, His Majesty looked forward to working closely with Laos in ASEAN’s community-building efforts towards the 2025 vision and formulating the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Prior to that, the President delivered a speech expressing a warm welcome to His Majesty and the delegation to the country and highlighted that the successful bilateral consultations held are aimed towards strengthening friendly relations between both countries as well as their peoples. In addition, the President expressed satisfaction with the good cooperation over the past 30 years leading to the announcement of the Strategic Partnership and also expressed appreciation for Brunei’s continuous support and assistance to Laos.
