Sultan Values Brunei-Laos Close Ties

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah the Sultan of Brunei has said in a titah that apart from working together as members of ASEAN, Brunei and the Lao People's Democratic Republic are also developing a much-valued bilateral relations.

His Majesty made the titah at a state banquet in honour of the visiting Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith Wednesday night.at Istana Nurul Iman.

His Excellency and Mrs. Khammmeung Vorachith were welcomed by His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.

Before proceeding to the banquet hall, Their Majesties granted an audience to His Excellency and spouse.

Present at the audience were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah;His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah; is Royal Highness Prince Haji Abdul Azim;His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

Also gracing the banquet were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajjah Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajjah Masna.

Diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic were established on the 27th of July 1993.

The relation was further upgraded by the setting up of Brunei Darussalam's Embassy in Vientiane on 26th February 1997 and on the 10th of April 1997, Laos reciprocated by opening up its mission in Brunei.

Doa selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Hamid.

His Majesty in the titah said the much valued bilateral relations are especially so in what are often referred to as people-to

people contacts.

His Majesty also expressed the belief that at a more formal level, both Brunei Darussalam and Laos are making sound progress together.

His Majesty stressed that relations between Brunei and Lao People's Democratic Republic are purposeful and practical.

The Lao Prime Minister in his reply said since his country became a member of ASEAN, the government of Brunei Darussalam and in particular His Majesty the Sultan has attached importance to the relationship by providing assistance to Laos in human resources development and various training programs.

His Excellency also hoped that in years ahead, the cooperation in the fields of human resources development, economy, trade, tourism and others will be further increased for the benefits of the people of both countries.

Laos has a population of more than six million people with a land area of 2 hundred and 36 thousand square kilometres. During last year's ASEAN summit in Vientiane, His Majesty was awarded the Victory Medal, the highest distinction of the LAO People's Democratic Republic.

Brunei and Laos have to date signed various agreements including on diplomatic visa exemption, air transport and establishment of the Laos-Brunei Darussalam Friendship Association. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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