Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah viewing an item on display at the Thai Handicraft Exhibition. - INFOFOTO
BANGKOK: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday (April 29) morning attended a welcoming ceremony; bilateral meeting; the signing ceremony of memoranda of understanding (MoUs); and an official luncheon, during an official visit to Thailand, at the Government House in Bangkok.
The welcoming ceremony was held at Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, in which the monarch was welcomed on arrival by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
After the welcoming ceremony, the Sultan delivered a speech at the bilateral meeting to express his condolences and sympathies to the Thai families who have lost loved ones in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In this regard, the monarch said Brunei Darussalam remains deeply concerned over the escalation of violence and reiterated its commitment to a long-term peace plan through the two-state solution and achieving an independent state of the Palestinian people.
He also expressed hope the international community will come together and bring the conflict to an end and for humanitarian assistance to reach Palestine.
The Sultan also recalled the fruitful discussions during the prime minister’s official visit to the sultanate last year to deepen mutually beneficial ties in numerous areas.
As Brunei Darussalam and Thailand mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations through exchanges of visits and joint activities, the monarch highlighted the countries’ continued expansion of cooperation in many areas such as trade, education, defence and people-to-people exchanges over the past four decades.
In this regard, the Sultan said Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continued support for the supply of rice since 1971, making Thailand an important trading partner.
Therefore, the emphasis on food security and uninterrupted supply chains is more important than before amid the geopolitical uncertainties faced today, in which these can mutually benefit both countries and its people in progressing towards the future.
To this end, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working closely with Thailand in deepening trade linkages in agriculture, energy as well as halal food and welcomed Thailand’s interest in developing investment ties.
The Sultan said people-to-people exchanges are progressing well, including the ongoing education exchanges and the recent naval port calls by three of His Thai Majesty’s Ships (‘Bhumipol Adulyadej’, ‘Taksin’ and ‘Kraburi’).
Furthermore, the resumption of direct flights between the two capitals had made it easier for the peoples of the two countries to travel to both countries.
During the bilateral meeting, the Sultan also exchanged views with the Thai prime minister on regional and international issues, including cooperation in Asean as well as the situation in Myanmar and developments in the Middle East. A joint statement was issued at the end of the bilateral meeting.
The Sultan and the Thai prime minister also witnessed the signing ceremony of two MoUs between the two governments.
Following the signing ceremony, the Sultan was invited to view the Thai Handicraft Exhibition showcasing local handicraft products.
At noon, the monarch attended the official luncheon, hosted by the Thai prime minister, and expressed his happiness in visiting Thailand once again, particularly in celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.
While recalling the rapid developments that have taken place in Thailand during his visits to the country, the Sultan added that “Amazing Thailand” has transformed into an urban economy in the agricultural, manufacturing and services sectors, thus bringing economic prosperity and development to its people.
Therefore, the Sultan believed Thailand will continue to achieve greater strides towards its ‘Vision 2030’ in becoming a global industrial hub.
As this year marks four decades of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand, His Majesty said it is an opportune time to reflect their shared achievements and plan the road ahead towards a better future.
Brunei Darussalam expressed hope to continue the close and excellent relations, marked by mutual respect and understanding, as well as to work together in protecting and safeguarding the common aspirations of both countries.
To this end, the Sultan was pleased that Brunei-Thailand ties have been further strengthened through the signing of documents during his visit as this will contribute to both countries’ continued growth and development.
In addition, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working closely under the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ initiative proposed by the Thai prime minister, which will strengthen the tourism industry.
Touching on regional cooperation, the monarch said the Sultanate is also working closely with Thailand and other Asean member states to advance Asean’s community-building efforts, particularly in promoting regional peace, security and development.
The Sultan concluded the decree by wishing the Thai prime minister and the people of Thailand continued success, progress and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Thai prime minister in his speech said the Sultan is highly respected for being the longest reigning monarch in the world, and has become an inspiration to world leaders as a result of the monarch's tireless commitment to the welfare, development and well-being of the people of Brunei Darussalam throughout his 57-year reign.
Accompanying the Sultan at the events was his son Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
