Aussie Envoy Lauds Brunei-Australia Defense Ties
By Maya Salleh

Bandar Seri Begawan - Mr. Christian Bennett, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, expressed his gratitude for the visit made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince General Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, to the Royal Australian Navy vessel, HMAS Dubbo, yesterday morning.

Mr. Christian Bennett said after the visit that he and Lt. Commander Richard James, Commanding Officer of HMAS Dubbo, were delighted and honoured.

"Australia and Brunei Darussalam enjoy very close and warm ties across a range of endeavours," said the High Commissioner.

"Many people are familiar with our substantial education ties and our trade and aviation links. But, indeed, one of the strongest and most long lasting areas of cooperation is on defence matters."

Mr. Bennet added, "The Australian Defence Force has a very high regard for Brunei's defense establishment, and greatly values its day-to-day working relationship with both the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.

It was, therefore, an honour to extend this invitation on behalf of the Australian Government and the Royal Australian Navy to His Royal Highness."

The Australian High Commissioner continued, "Just as we were delighted to host the Crown Prince on a Guest of-Government visit to Australia in 2003, we were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness aboard HMAS Dubbo.

The Crown Prince's visit reinforces, I believe, the excellent co-operation that exists not only between our two armed services, but also the very warm friendship that exists between the people of our two countries."

Another Royal Australian Navy patrol vessel, HMAS Geraldton, is also visiting Brunei along with HMAS Dubbo. HMAS Geraldton has travelled, like HMAS Dubbo, well over 500,000 nautical miles in its 20 years of service, conducting many overseas deployments and countless patrols in Australian waters.

This year also saw the Geraldton deployed to the Solomon Islands to take part in the regional assistance mission known as Operation Anode. During this time the ship helped local police maintain law and order. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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