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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam graced a special reception in honour of the monarch’s 78th birthday celebration yesterday.
The reception at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong was hosted by diplomatic missions of foreign countries in Brunei Darussalam.
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar were also in attendance.
On arrival, Their Majesties were greeted by heads of missions and their spouses, led by German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Gerda Winkler as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
In her speech, the ambassador said the diplomatic community were delighted to continue the tradition of hosting this reception, which is also a celebration of their countries’ strong diplomatic ties with Brunei Darussalam.
She congratulated His Majesty on the 40 anniversary of the country’s independence and on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with many of the countries with missions in Brunei.
The ambassador also praised His Majesty’s many successful foreign trips over the past year and on Brunei’s many diplomatic achievements and the country’s steadfast support for ASEAN in pursuing its goals while effectively upholding ASEAN centrality.
She later presented His Majesty with the gift of a Marble Gold Leaf Flower Vase, sourced from India, on behalf of the diplomatic corps.
Handcrafted in the regal tradition of Jaipur in Rajasthan, the vase is adorned with intricate gold leaf work that displays foral motifs from the Indian tradition. – Azlan Othman
