Sultan Lauds Brunei’s Strong Ties With Australia

Canberra – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, has underlined the many strong and practical ties between Brunei and Australia.

His Majesty delivered the titah at a luncheon hosted by Mr John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, in honour of His Majesty's State Visit to Australia.

The Sultan of Brunei arrived in Canberra yesterday to begin his state visit.

His Majesty's special aircraft landed at the Australian Defence Establishment airport in Fairbairn at about 9am or 6am Brunei time.

The Monarch was greeted upon arrival by Major General Michael Jeffery, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia; Mr John Anderson, Deputy Prime Minister; and, other top Australian officials.

At the welcoming ceremony, a 21-gun salute marked the start of the State Visit.

His Majesty received a royal salute and then inspected guard of honour mounted by three branches of the Royal Australian Armed Forces.

The Sultan was then introduced to members of the Australian welcoming party.

Members of the Brunei official delegation were also introduced to the Governor General.

Brunei established diplomatic relations with Australia in 1984. Both countries have set up diplomatic missions in each other's capital.

Australia, like Brunei, is a member of the Commonwealth. It has a population of 20 million with Canberra as its capital.

In 2003, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah made an official visit to Australia.

The visit underscored good relationship between the two countries.

His Majesty left Brunei for Australia Monday night.

Before leaving, doa selamat was read by Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, the State Mufti.

Present at the Brunei International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Councils, Deputy Ministers as well as senior government officers. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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