Abdullah at high tea with Malaysians
By Lyna Mohammad & Laila Rahman

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam sharing a light moment with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a banquet held in honour of the visiting Malaysian Prime Minister.

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha receiving in audience Malaysia's Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday afternoon. Also present was Seri Laila Pengiring Diraja Datin Seri Utama Dayang Hajah Rosnah. Dato Seri Rafidah is a member of the delegation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who arrived in the country yesterday for a one-day visit.

HRH Princess Hajah Masna (right) and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (centre) at the banquet.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah attending the banquet held in honour of the Malaysian premier.

Datuk Seri Abdullah exchanging greetings with Malaysians.

Datuk Seri Abdullah being welcomed by top Malaysian officials on arrival in Brunei. Photo: Hj Mohd Said Arshad

Datuk Seri Abdullah arriving for the Hari Raya high tea with Malaysians staying in Brunei. Photo: M K Anwar

Malaysians attending the high tea with Datuk Seri Abdullah.

Brunei Darussalam is the first ASEAN country that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is making his first official visit to as the new Malaysian Prime Minister.

This was disclosed by Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei, Tan Sri Mohd Jamil Johari, in his welcoming remarks yesterday at a Hari Raya High Tea with the Malaysian premier.

The gathering at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong, was also attended by Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Tan Sri (Dr.) Hj Abd Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Hj Musa Hj Aman as well as several other Malaysian ministers and senior government officials.

Datuk Seri Abdullah, in his address, said that he hoped that relationship between Brunei and Malaysia is not only on a formal government-to-government basis but also on people-to-people basis, which can make the bilateral ties more beneficial and meaningful.

He also hoped that Malaysians in Brunei will continue to increase their understanding of the two countries' mutual interests, such as economic, business and other beneficial aspects.

The highlight of yesterday's event was the cutting of a cake to celebrate Datuk Seri Abdullah's recent 64th birthday. As guests enjoyed their meal, Datuk Seri Abdullah greeted his fellow countrymen and women from table-to-table. It was a great opportunity for the Malaysians to get up-close and personal with their new leader as well as to take pictures with him and the other Malaysian dignitaries.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin