Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - The vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, Zhou Tienong, attended a formal dinner with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah yesterday evening at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan.

The dinner, which was preceded by a courtesy call to discuss current bilateral relations, also included a number of distinguished guests including Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-atLarge at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and the Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, Tong Xiaoling. The guests were treated to performances of traditional music by local performers as entertainment during the course of the dinner.

Earlier in the day, the vice-chairman and 18 members of his delegation visited the Royal Regalia Building, Bandar Seri Begawan and the

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

The Chinese delegates, accompanied by Ambassador Tong Xiaolin, were received by Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports at the Royal Regalia Building.

Leading the tour around the Royal Regalia Building was Pg Hj Mohd Yamin Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abd Momin, the exhibition curator and person in charge of the building.

After the tour, the vice-chairman was invited to sign an official guest book at the Royal Regalia Building before exchanging memorial plaques and gifts of appreciation with Dato Paduka Hj Jemat.

Li Qiang, the chief of political section at the Chinese Embassy, said the visit was a good way for the delegation to relax and experience the pace of the Bruneian lifestyle while getting a better understanding on the history and culture of the Sultanate. The group then made their way to the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah where they were given a brief tour of the mosque which included a video presentation on the history and structure of the mosque.

Kahar Hj Hussein, the acting director of the Department of Mosque Affairs, representing the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"The delegation also had an audience with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness Prince Hj AlMuhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office," said Li Qiang.

The vice-chairman has also made plans to visit Kg Ayer after attending a meeting with the Speaker of State Legislative Council Pg Indera Mahkota Pg Anak (Dr) Kemaludin Al-Haj today. The delegation is on a four-day trip to further foster and strengthen better bilateral relations, including those of economic and trade. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times