BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, expressed his warm welcome to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a State Banquet held in his honour at Istana Nurul Iman on Wednesday (May 14).
The visit by Prabowo, described by the Ruler as “highly meaningful,” marks the first official state visit by the newly appointed 8th President of Indonesia — a longstanding friend of Brunei — to the country.
Sultan Hassanal expressed confidence that under Prabowo’s leadership and the implementation of the “Asta Cita” roadmap, the people of Indonesia will continue to enjoy enduring peace, progress and prosperity.
The Ruler noted that Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia recently celebrated four decades of diplomatic relations, a milestone that reflects the strong spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between both nations.
The monarch highlighted the deep-rooted ties grounded in shared heritage, religion, and language as the foundation of continued harmony and cooperation.
“In the face of ongoing global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is crucial for both countries to continue working closely together to safeguard the well-being of our people, particularly in ensuring food security,” said the Ruler.
Sultan Hassanal expressed confidence that the meaningful bilateral relationship between the two nations would continue to be strengthened through strategic cooperation across various sectors, driven by joint efforts at all levels.
Regionally, the Ruler underlined Brunei’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia and other Asean member states to uphold peace, stability and unity.
Sultan Hassanal also reaffirmed support for advancing the Asean Community Vision 2045, which is expected to be endorsed at the 46th Asean Summit later this month.
The Ruler likened the Brunei-Indonesia relationship to the Islamic concept of brotherhood, quoting a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), describing believers as one body — when one part suffers, the whole body feels the pain.
“This is the sacred friendship between two nations bound by faith, sharing in the blessings of Allah the Almighty and jointly protecting them from undesirable elements,” the Ruler said. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
