Brunei And Bahrain Two Small Nations With Large Ambitions
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - An Arab prince, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, has helped to fortify ties between Brunei and Bahrain with the current high level two-day working visit to the sultanate.

On arrival the visiting Prime Minister said that Brunei and Bahrain were two small nations with "large ambitions."

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei last night hosted a banquet for the visiting Bahrain nobleman.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH the Crown Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah. It took place at the Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong. The Bahraini prince is in the country for a two-day visit.

Earlier His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei greeted His Highness Shaikh Khalifa on arrival at the Brunei International Airport.

The Bahraini official delegation include the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Mohamed Bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, H.E Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Muttawa and the Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Abdulla Hasan Saif.

His Highness Shaikh Khalifa in his arrival statement said it is truly a pleasure to be in Brunei at the invitation of His Majesty the Sulta of Brunei and to have the opportunity to meet our friends and brothers to strengthen further the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

I would like at the outset to convey to His Majesty and the people of Brunei the regards and best wishes of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa.

"We in Bahrain have been greatly impressed by the strides made by Brunei in developing its economy and infrastructure, and by the example it has to the world of a modern nation which fully embraces the latest technological developments while remaining true to its Islamic heritage and culture."

"I am looking forward in particular to meting with senior officials of the Brunei government and discussing with them the recent developments in their country's relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"These ties have made enormous progress in recent years in a wide range of fields, in particular as a result of a close friendship between His Majesty and His Majesty King Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa."

"Our two countries face a number of similar challenges, and share many common values and viewpoints. We are both small nations with large ambitions, who have used our resources and skills wisely to play a significant role in international affairs."

"At the same time, Bahrain has in recent years, sought to strengthen its cooperation and coordination with Asian countries, to share expertise and experience and strengthen our joint international voice."

"I therefore look forward to Bahrain and Brunei stepping up their cooperation in such matters and to making our Islamic values and heritage heard on the world stage. There can be no doubt that the ties between Bahrain and Brunei hold great potential for both countries and their peoples". (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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