In delivering his titah at a banquet in honour of Mr. Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, last night at the Istana Nurul Iman, His Majesty said that at a formal level, His Majesty believes both countries are making sound progress together.

"We have been very pleased to see a number of your students here especially those involved in the training available through our technical assistance programme under the initiative for Asean integration.

"Our joint commission also provides a practical way for us to share ideas and put forward new proposals. I hope it will continue to do this.

"There is much more for it to consider, particularly trade and investment opportunities, continued cooperation in education and culture and in the development of our tourism industries," the Sultan said.

His Majesty also said that Brunei is delighted to work with a government so ready and willing to join its neighbours in close cooperation and to play its own part in the development of Southeast Asia.

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His Majesty also hailed the premier on the leadership he has personally provided to both countries over the past year and his excellent chairmanship of the meetings.

"As well as working together as members of Asean, we are also developing much-valued bilateral relations. This is especially so in what are often referred to as people-to-people contacts.