KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia will embark on a state visit to Brunei from Sunday (Oct 13) to Tuesday (Oct 15).
This marks His Majesty's inaugural state visit to the sultanate since ascending the throne on Jan 31 this year.
Wisma Putra said that the visit will further strengthen the close and special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, which is underpinned by the Malay sultanate institution, religion, culture and family ties.
The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Their Majesties will be accompanied by Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and officials from Istana Negara and relevant ministries and agencies.
During the visit, Their Majesties will receive a state welcoming ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, followed by an audience with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.
His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will also host a state banquet in honour of Their Majesties.
Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah are also scheduled to engage with the Malaysian community in Bandar Seri Begawan.
During the visit, Raja Zarith Sofiah will visit Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) to inaugurate the Malaysia Publication Corner, showcasing joint research publications between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
In 2023, Brunei Darussalam was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and sixth largest among Asean nations, with trade totalling RM9.31bil (US$2.04bil).
From January to July this year, total trade between the countries reached RM5.48bil (US$1.16bil). – Bernama
