BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Brunei Darussalam and Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Tuesday signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on agricultural and energy cooperation.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Excellency the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had a bilateral meeting during the premier’s visit to the sultanate.
Both leaders welcomed the expansion of cooperation in existing areas, as well as the exploration of new opportunities, towards further strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Brunei and Lao.
His Majesty and His Excellency also agreed that food and supply chain security was particularly relevant amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
1. MoU on Agricultural Cooperation
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf Haji Metussin while signing on behalf of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was its Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith,
The MoU aims to strengthen, facilitate and develop cooperation and collaboration in the fields of agriculture including agrifood, agro-technology, productivity and standards and quality.
Scope and areas of cooperation include sharing and exchange of information; exchange of publications such as laws, regulations and guidelines; capacity building; technical cooperation; and other forms of cooperation relating to agricultural activities.
2. MoU on Energy Cooperation
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Amin Liew Abdullah, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was Minister of Energy and Mines His Excellency Daovong Phonekeo.
The MoU aims to facilitate and enhance meaningful and effective energy cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
It enables relevant entities to enter into commercially and financially viable arrangements within the following scope of cooperation, namely: the potential of export and import of petroleum and petroleum products; the potential of renewable and alternative energy development including the respective technologies; and explore experiences and enhance capacity building between the two countries.
Also present to witness the signing ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Arrival of Lao President and spouse
Prior to the signing, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri welcomed the arrival of His Excellency the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and spouse at the Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri, together with His Excellency and spouse, then received the Salute of Honour on the Special Dais, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries and a 21-gun salute.
The two leaders then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
His Excellency the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and his spouse were then introduced to members of the Royal Family; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-pengiran Cheteria; the Speaker of the Legislative Council; Cabinet Ministers; Members of the Privy Council; Deputy Ministers; and Permanent Secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Foreign Envoys as well as their respective spouses.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri were then introduced to members of the delegation of His Excellency the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Audience ceremony
An audience ceremony was then held at the Cheradi Laila Kenchana, graced by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
Amongst present from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic delegation were His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and spouse.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
