His Majesty Says Brunei's Close Tiles With Indonesia To Be Enhanced

Jakarta - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in his speech at the State Banquet at Istana Merdeka on Tuesday night said his current state visit to Indonesia has a deeper meaning that it offered opportunities to enhance further the current friendship and cordial relations existeing between the two countries.

The state banquet was hosted by the Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri in honour of the Brunei Sultan's state visit to Indonesia.

The visiting ruler added that the visit could pave the way to new areas of cooperation besides strengthening existing cooperation such as in education, defence, culture and human resources.

Touching on the economic field, the Brunei Sultan said that the private sector could play a vital role in reviewing the existing opportunities.

In this context, the Brunei Sultan expressed appreciation for the valuable contribution of Indonesian workers in Brunei's development.

On Asean, he highlighted the need for member countries to enhance the mutual cooperation and understanding so that the association may remain relevant and respective.

He added this was very important so that regional peace and harmony could be maintained at all times.

Indonesia's concrete support and commitment in Asean have brought unity and solidarity to the association. The Brunei Sultan is confident that Indonesia which chairs October's Asean summit would promote Asean as an exemplary grouping.

Brunei would give its full and continuous support to ensure the success of the summit.

The challenges of the new millennium, added the Brunei ruler, justified the need to be cautious at all times. He stressed that sincere cordial relations among nations and between each other must be maintained for the sake of peace and security.

The Brunei Sultan concluded by saying that the sultanate and the republic, which are from the same race with an established religious and cultural links would continue to be consistent in upholding the truth and justice.

The state banquet at Istana Merdaka concluded with a cultural show.

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