His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday joined the Retreat Session of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, held virtually from Baitul Mesyuarah, Istana Nurul Iman.
At the Retreat Session, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah stated that ASEM’s theme this year – “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth” – reflects the needs of the global community to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; geo-political and economic competition; and climate change.
“It is therefore vital to continue to uphold and promote multilateral cooperation based on international law, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” said the monarch.
In this regard, His Majesty stated that the situation in Myanmar is a challenging matter as the country has a long and complex history since its independence over seventy years ago.
Therefore, Myanmar should be given space to return to normalcy, in accordance with the will of its people, added the sultan.
To this end, His Majesty expressed hope for Myanmar to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus in a timely manner to build confidence with regional and international partners.
In ending the titah, His Majesty appreciated the continued support of the international community for ASEAN’s efforts on this matter. At the Retreat Session, the leaders exchanged views on regional as well as international issues of mutual concern.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia in his closing remarks appreciated the open and constructive discussions between ASEM leaders towards collectively addressing issues of global importance.
ASEM’s core principles of informality and mutual respect have enabled its members to overcome numerous sensitive issues through active and close collaboration, towards building more peaceful, safe, and prosperous regions.
At the end of the Summit, the 13th ASEM Summit “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth” Chair’s Statement; Phnom Penh Statement on the Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery; and The Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity were adopted.
This article was first published on 27 November 2021 in our Weekly E-Paper issue 169 |
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
