Sultan Praises Close Brunei-Bangladesh Ties
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei saw the need for nations in the region to work closely together, share experiences and learn from each other to deal with issues like globalisation.

“Brunei is proud to share Bangladesh's friendship and cooperation for nearly 20 years," His Majesty said in his titah at the banquet last night at the Istana Nurul Iman in honour of the visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, who is on a two-day official visit to the country.

"In a few short months, it will be 20 years since we first established formal relations with your people. We are proud to have shared your people's friendship and cooperation during all this time," said His Majesty.

Also in attendance were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha, HRH the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj AlMuhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah, HRH Prince Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik, HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Masna and HRH Prince Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

His Majesty said the two regions have vast resources, people and strong resilience in culture. The challenge to us all is to harness these to the task of making vast political, social, economic challenges that will be offered in the 21st century.

"To this extent, South Asia and Southeast Asia are important. I feel the importance we as individual nations are placing our role in our regional associations. The 20th century highlighted the dangers of pure nationalism.

"The current concept of globalisation may have similar dangers. Thus, it emphasises the need for us all to work closely together, share experiences and learn from each other," said the monarch.

"You and I have both recently returned from summit meetings of our respective regional organisations. Leaders of Asean Summit in Bali and SAARC Summit in Islamabad appeared to have been united in the approach to the immediate future.

"In Asean, we are confident that our people have the talent, innovative skills and imagination to master today's world.

"What leaders are urgently addressing is the far-reaching question of how to deal with an environment to enable this quality to flourish. Such an environment will require practical economic programme that links our whole region and even our neighbours.

"It will require great political sophistication from national leaders and patience, understanding and commitment from the citizens. It will mean cohesion in the sense of common purpose, tolerance and flexibility.

"What it will not invite, as some would try persuading our people, is violence of action and division of society and nation. For this reason, I was most encouraged by the Islamabad Declaration issued three weeks ago." said His Majesty.

"Your Social Charter represents profound and far reaching programme for social development. Your regional convention on the suppression for terrorism is also a very important contribution.

"Above all, the action taken by SAARC members on security matters is a sign of renewed confidence that ancient conflict and dispute can be addressed non-violently," said His Majesty.

In her speech, Begun Khaleda Zia said there are many areas of cooperation in which the two countries can profitably learn from one another. These include information technology, energy cooperation, human resources development and hardcore economic areas of trade investment and services.

"I am confident that our discussions will identify useful areas for advancement. I am also hopeful that our business delegation will act as a catalyst to boost trade and investment.

"Bangladesh offers a highly attractive business environment. Given its strategic location, low cost of labour and availability of skilled labour, businessmen from Brunei will find a profitable, base for investment. I encourage entrepreneurs from Brunei to visit Bangladesh and explore the prospects for themselves," she said.

The premier said that Bangladesh also looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Brunei within the regional and sub-regional framework.

Bangladesh supports various Asean initiatives and is keenly pursuing its membership of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF). We recall with gratitude Brunei's support to our nomination and look forward to its invaluable support for our membership, added the premier.

Earlier, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah welcomed the Bangladeshi prime minister at the Brunei International Airport.

HRH and Begum Khaleda Zia proceeded to the dais to receive the royal salute.

The Bangladeshi prime minister then inspected the guard of honour mounted by the Royal Brunei Land Force's Third Battalion.

Later HRH was introduced to the official delegation of Bangladesh and Begum Khaleda Zia was introduced to Brunei dignitaries. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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