Sultan Pledges Brunei's Support In Reconstruction

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam expressed his deepest sympathy to all the people from so many countries that have suffered due to the tsunami disaster.

His Majesty stated Brunei's support for the crucial assistance given by donor countries at this time and in the future tasks of reconstruction.

He also expressed appreciation to all citizens, non-governmental agencies and groups all over the world that have responded generously.

The Sultan made the titah at the Special Asean Leaders' Meeting on the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Jakarta, Indonesia, RTB reported.

His Majesty was welcomed at the Convention Centre by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia's President.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied His Majesty at the meeting.

The emergency summit was initiated by Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's Prime Minister.

His Majesty also pointed out that there were many practical things to be done urgently to ensure the safety and security in the affected areas, and to rebuild the livelihoods of the individuals and families concerned.

His Majesty also emphasised the need to increase capacity to prevent further disasters as well as to better deal with its consequences.

To this end, His Majesty believed that the UN, the World Bank, European Union and developed nations in the Asia-Pacific region could provide assistance, guidance and expertise.

At the summit, His Majesty also exchanged views on actions to be taken in the future.

Among the issues considered were the establishment of a UN Special Fund, the relief and reconstruction of tsunami-affected countries and the appointment of a Regional Tsunami Early Warning Centre in the Indian Ocean.

At the end of the meeting, a number of important and urgent matters were agreed to be acted upon.

These matters included requesting the UN to mobilise further additional resources to meet the emergency relief needs of victims in the affected areas.

Pertaining to rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes, the donor countries, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and others were called upon to provide the necessary fund for the viability and sustainability of the programmes.

The meeting also agreed on the establishment of a regional early warning system, the promotion of public education and awareness on the risks of natural disasters such as the tsunami. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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