Brunei Ruler In Bangkok Meets World Leaders For Talks

Bangkok - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei attended the first session of the APEC Economic Leaders' Retreat in Bangkok yesterday.

The session known as the Retreat will enable leaders to have an open discussion, in the absence of their officials or aides. It took place at the government house in Bangkok.

On arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawat who is the Chairman of APEC 2003, greeted His Majesty.

The leaders later proceeded to the outer Santi Maitri building where the Retreat was held.

The main issue discussed during the first session of the Retreat was economic and trade issues. APEC primarily is a body that determines to promote economic cooperation among its 21 members in the Asia Pacific region.

However the economic and trade issues are now intertwined with security concerns. The security issue will be deliberated in the second session today.

During the first day of the Apec Summit in Bangkok, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei spent most of his time in the meeting of minds with his colleagues.

Following the Retreat, His Majesty attended the leaders' interaction session with the members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

The session is the manifestation of the close link between the public and private sector.

ABAC itself has given a full support for APEC's actions to stimulate progress in the WTO's Doha development agenda.

ABAC has stressed that APEC is in a position to achieve progress on the liberalisation in many areas such as transportation and implementation of programmes designed to overcome impediments to trade in food products.

ABAC is trying to encourage greater cooperation in other specific areas such as strengthening of financial system.

Meanwhile, the Brunei ruler began his official function Sunday afternoon by attending a luncheon hosted by Thaksin Shinawatra the Thai Prime Minister

The luncheon was in honour of the ASEAN leaders attending the meeting.

Also present at the luncheon was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamad Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Also attending the function was the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Dato Awang Haji Abdul Rahman.

The meeting over lunch enabled the ASEAN leaders to exchange views on the preparation of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and matters pertaining to APEC. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

Related Stories: APEC Leaders' Summit To Focus On Security, Trade Threats To Prosperity | Brunei Ruler In Bangkok For APEC Meeting | Brunei Ruler Leaves For Bangkok For APEC Summit | Thai Deputy Prime Minister Meets His Majesty At Airport

Related Info: APEC Special Report | APEC Bangkok 2003

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