brunei
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah bid farewell to 650 soldiers and family members from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) at their base in Seria, Belait District on Tuesday (June 14).
The Sultan began the visit by arriving in Medicina Lines on board a helicopter and was greeted by Commander of the British Forces Brunei (BFB) Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Todd.
The monarch then made his way to the Tuker Lines, the headquarters of BFB, where he was welcomed by honour guards (pic) before signing a guest book and getting an update on BFB’s operations.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe was also present.
After visiting the Tuker Lines, the Sultan headed to an open field where the monarch met soldiers and officers in different booths.
The monarch also met officers and staff from BFB’s Primary Care Medical Facility (PCMF) and students from Hornbill School, the base’s educational institution where he was welcomed to the school’s booth by head teacher Craig Gill.
Gill, while speaking to the Bulletin, said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet His Majesty and it was as equally fantastic for the children to meet someone so important.”
He expressed hope that the monarch’s visit will leave the students full of pride and joy.
