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 delivered a titah reflecting on Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chin’s visit as testament to the strong diplomatic relations established between Brunei Darussalam and Viet Nam 30 years ago.
Since Viet Nam became part of the ASEAN family in Bandar Seri Begawan in 1995, it has become one of the fastest growing economic countries in the region.
His Majesty praised Viet Nam’s excellent achievements including the National Digital Transformation Programme, and said the signing of a plan of action is timely in further strengthening bilateral cooperation and assisting preparations in facing an era of disruption and global uncertainty.
His Majesty delivered the titah during an official luncheon attended by Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam; the Vietnamese prime minister and spouse, along with members of the royal family and the Vietnamese delegation at Baitur Rahmah yesterday.
The official luncheon began with the recitation of Doa Selamat by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Despite being faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, His Majesty was pleased that the two countries were able to continue bilateral cooperation in energy supply as well as produce trade that exceeded the target of USD500 million set in 2017.
Brunei Darussalam is keen to further develop trade relations, particularly through joint ventures in aquaculture to help build the capacity of local industries and ensure food security.
Furthermore, the continuing educational partnership between Universiti Brunei Darussalam and FPT University in Da Nang, as well as the implementation of visa exemptions, will bring people closer together as well as facilitate the movement of goods and services.
His Majesty thanked Viet Nam for supporting Brunei Darussalam as ASEAN Chairman in 2021 and hoped to work together towards achieving the Post-2025 ASEAN Community Vision. In addition, His Majesty congratulated Viet Nam on the successful election to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council and expressed confidence towards Viet Nam’s contribution in addressing human rights issues.
This was followed by a speech from the Vietnamese prime minister, who expressed gratitude for the long-established relations between both countries and congratulated the Sultanate on its achievements under the reign of His Majesty.
He also expressed confidence that Brunei would be able to achieve its economic transition and Brunei Vision 2035.
The prime minister highlighted that the signing of the Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership (2023-2027) will give way to greater opportunities that will enhance further cooperation between the two countries.
He also appreciated Brunei’s active support in multilateral forums such as APEC and the UN and hoped that the continued friendship will further deepen towards building the ASEAN Community.
