South African FM Visits MIPR, Museums
By Helena M. Mahathir & Surya PHA

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma yesterday paid a courtesy call on Pehin Dato Seri Setia Dr. Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.

Accompanying Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma during the visit was the High Commissioner of South Africa to Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Abraham Sekhaya Nkomo, and Dr. Annal Sooklal, Deputy Director-General, Middle East and Asia, Department of Foreign Affairs.

The courtesy call took place at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) building at Jalan Menteri Besar in Berakas.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and delegation arrived in Brunei Tuesday evening for a three-day working visit aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

In an interview with Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, she said that with the good relations shared between South Africa and Brunei Darussalam, this was her first official visit to the Sultanate.

"This visit will give me the opportunity to explore more areas where both nations can further improve cooperation," she added.

Speaking on Brunei, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said that she was impressed with the hospitability and friendliness of the Brunei people, the amount of untouched forest and especially the clean air, "which is a quality hard to find in cities elsewhere".

The South African Foreign Minister also toured several places of interest in the country yesterday, accompanied by her delegation. First on her itinerary was a visit to the Brunei Museum situated in Kota Batu.

The entourage was greeted on arrival by officials at the Museum. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and delegates were brought inside the historical room that featured exhibits depicting all the old Brunei cultures that have been preserved till today.

The visiting group was briefed by the museum officials throughout the visit. Also present during the tour was Awg Bantong bin Antaran, Deputy Director of Museum.

Next stop was the Arts and Handicraft Training Centre. At the Centre, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was able to take a closer look at the unique workmanship of the handwoven materials (kain tenunan) that were showcased on the first floor.

The visitors also took a closer look at several unique souvenirs made by trainees at the Centre.

The tour culminated with a visit to the Royal Regalia Building in the capital, where the Curator of Exhibitions and Manager of Royal Regalia, Pg Hj Mohd Yamin bin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin was on hand to accompany the South African Foreign Minister and delegates.

In the afternoon, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma attended a luncheon hosted by the Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today to continue her working visit in the region. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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