Sultan Hassnal Bolkiah accompanied by the President of East Timor inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Defence Force of Timor-Leste and Timor-Leste National Police. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
DILI, Timor Leste (The Strait Times/ANN): The Brunei King, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, arrived in Dili on Monday morning for a State Visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
Upon arrival at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, His Majesty was greeted by President of Timor-Leste Dr José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Sultan Hassanal attended the State Welcoming Ceremony, where His Majesty along with President Dr. José Ramos-Horta proceeded to the Special Dais to receive the Salute of Honour accompanied by the National Anthems of both countries, and a twenty-one (21) gun salute.
Shortly after, Sultan Hassanal accompanied by the President inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Defence Force of Timor-Leste and Timor-Leste National Police.
At a Flag-Raising Ceremony, His Majesty and the President saw the raising of Timor-Leste’s national flag, followed with a minute of silence in honour of fallen heroes who had fought for the independence of the country.
The President of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste to His Majesty, in recognition of His Majesty’s contributions and dedications.
The medal is the highest honour awarded by Timor-Leste, exclusively bestowed to Heads of States, to recognise significant contributions to national peace and stability including, among others, exceptional military service, acts of heroism and cultural merit.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during the Bilateral Meeting in Dili. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Sultan Hassanal expressed gratitude for the conferment, and stated that it was an immense honour to receive the prestigious accolade, adding that it reflects the high regard as well as the amiable and harmonious bond between the people of Brunei Darussalam and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste over the past two decades.
Furthermore, the President’s State Visit to Brunei Darussalam last year further reinforced the personal friendship and cooperation, between the two countries, benefitting both sides mutually, His Majesty added.
His Majesty reiterated his deepest appreciation to the President for conferring the award and looked forward to further enhancing and fortifying the warm bilateral relations across all levels in the years ahead.
Both the leaders also shared views on regional and international matters.
During a bilateral meeting, Sultan Hassanal in a titah emphasised that Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste continue to cooperate closely in education and people-to-people exchanges.
In addition, during the State Visit of President Dr. José Ramos-Horta to Brunei Darussalam, both sides have also agreed, among other things, to further strengthen cooperation in education, labour and health, which is essential for the two countries’ continued development, peace and security. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
