Princess Masna And Consort Attend Asean Ministerial Meeting

Jakarta – The 37th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) began yesterday in Jakarta.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, and YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz attended the opening ceremony at Istana Negara.

It was officially opened by the President of Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputeri.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the Princess joined other Asean ministers and the secretary general of Asean in a courtesy call on President Megawati at the Istana Negara.

The 37th AMM is the first formal meeting since the Bali summit in October, 2003.

The Asean Foreign Ministers and their officials have covered much ground and progressed significantly in deliberating on, and formulating, the Asean Security Community ASC plan of action and the Asean Socio-Economy Community plan of action.

President Megawati, in her opening remarks, elaborated on the theme of the meeting.

She said the idea of an Asean that is prosperous, caring and peaceful germinated from the vision enshrined in the ASEAN Declaration.

The declaration signed some 37 years ago envisaged countries of Southeast Asia living together in harmony and security.

The Indonesian President also noted that Asean has become a force for peace and stability as well as prosperity in the whole Asia-Pacific region.

This is achieved by nurturing the habits of consultation and cooperation among members of Asean and closely engaging with a tremendous array of dialogue partners.

The Indonesian President also called on Asean member countries to keep their guard up against possible epidemics of HIV/AIDS, SARS, avian flu and other communicable disease to prevent the havoc they can inflict on other people and economies.

She also urged Asean to be at the forefront in the fight against multinational crimes and international terrorism.

The opening session was followed by the AMM Retreat and Working Launch at Gedung Pancasila, and the AMM close session at the Jakarta Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, the Princess joined other Asean Foreign Ministers and the Secretary General in an informal working dinner.

The dinner was hosted by the Indonesian Foreign Minister Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda, who's also the Chairman of the Asean Standing Committee.

During the reception, the foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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