Brunei, Jordan Ties Further Strengthened
By Hadi DP Mahmud and Anna Abu Bakar

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to host a State Banquet in honour of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan, at Istana Nurul Iman.

Speaking at the banquet, His Majesty in his titah, assured the people of Jordan the "unwavering support" of the government and people of Brunei Darussalam in its pursuit of modern peace, progress and international goodwill and tolerance.

His Majesty said: "We greatly appreciate the work undertaken by the people of Jordan.

"Perhaps, the most important aspect of Your Majesty's reign has been the economic planning that your government and people have undertaken. Like Brunei Darussalam, Jordan has recognised the need to do more than passively witness modern change taking place.

"It has taken bold steps to help its people take part in that change and try to shape it in their own image. This has led to a programme of economic diversification which reflects our own in many ways."

"By this, I mean the importance of a vital public-private sector partnership as a new role for traditional natural resources, the promotion of new industries, the need for renewable energy supplies and the acceptance of international free trade."

In a reciprocal speech, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein said Brunei and its people are having a global impact today and that other nations across the world are looking towards Brunei as a leader in cooperation for development.

King Abdullah II cited that in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and "in the relationship between Asia and the Middle East, and in the global Islamic community" Brunei has promoted close effective partnerships that are necessary today.

He hoped his visit will bring Jordan and Brunei more closer.

"Brunei Darussalam and Jordan have important similarities. Two small sovereign states, with active global roles. Two governments, committed to the welfare and advancement of their people. Two talented young populations, with high aspirations for the future," he said.

King Abdullah II expressed his personal gratitude for the support of His Majesty the Sultan's support for the Amman Message and the values it expresses.

The Amman Message is a detailed statement released on the eve of November 9, 2004, by King Abdullah II that seeks to put Islam in proper perspective. Its main goal is to tell the modern world the true meaning of Islam.

The Jordanian King took the opportunity to welcome His Majesty the Sultan to visit Jordan in the near future.

King Abdullah II also expressed his personal gratitude towards receiving the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei, Darjah Kerabat Mahkota Brunei (DKMB) earlier on in the day as it symbolises "the enduring friendship between our families and peoples - a pledge of our continuing partnership, in an important and turbulent century". -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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