Royal Audience To Laos Premier
By Laila Rahman and Azian Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday granted an audience to Laos People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith and Mrs Khammeung Vorachitch at the Istana Nurul Iman.

The prime minister is in the country on a three-day official visit accompanied by a 16-member delegation that includes Phongsavath Boupha, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr Phankham Viphavanh, Head of Prime Minister's Office; Sithong Chitnhotinh, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Department; and, Thonphanh Syackhophom, Deputy Director General of Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were HRH the Crown Prince Pg Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah, other members of the royal family and several senior government officials.

The monarch and the prime minister later held a four-eye meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore areas of future cooperation.

The prime minister and his spouse arrived in Brunei earlier in the day, where they were greeted upon arrival by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah.

Also present were minister-in-attendance, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Dr Hj Awg Hussain, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and his spouse.

The Laos premier and his wife, accompanied by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, then proceeded to a special dais to receive the royal salute as the national anthems of Brunei and Lao People's Democratic Republic were played.

The prime minister later inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.

Before leaving the airport, the prime minister was introduced to Brunei's state dignitaries and heads of foreign mission, while HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah were introduced to members of the visiting delegation.

During his stay, the Laos premier will visit the Belalong Field Studies Centre, Ulu Temburong National Park, the new site of the Laos Embassy in Jln Kebangsaan, and Kg Ayer.

Soon after the audience ceremony, the prime minister and his spouse visited Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

On hand to welcome them on arrival at the mosque was Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Hj Yahya, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.

There, the prime minister and his spouse were briefed on the establishment of the mosque. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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