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 on Thursday attended a Gala Dinner hosted by His Excellency Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the Prime Minister of Thailand as the Chairman of the 2022 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
The monarch left for Thailand to attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) held on 18 and 19 November 2022.
Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The annual AELM, which is conducted physically this year, aims to improve the strategic vision and direction for cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the APEC 2022 theme “Open. Connect. Balance.”, in advancing a more balanced and sustainable post-COVID-19 economy, discussions have continued on facilitating open trade and investment; improving the business environment; advancing regional economic integration; restoring connectivity by resuming cross-border travel; reinvigorating tourism and the services sector; facilitating business mobility; increasing investment in health security; and ensuring economic goals are inclusive and sustainable.
Among the initiatives put forward by Thailand, as APEC Chair 2022, the Bio- Circular-Green (BCG) Economy concept was introduced into APEC’s narrative as a post-pandemic growth strategy where science, innovation and technology are applied for a more holistic and balanced approach to advance economic, environmental and social goals in the Asia-Pacific region.
Upon arrival at the dinner, His Majesty was greeted by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Thailand and spouse.
His Majesty joined His Excellency and other APEC Economic Leaders for a group photograph session before attending the Gala Dinner.
The Gala Dinner commenced with a welcoming speech from His Excellency the Prime Minister of Thailand to all the leaders and delegates for their attendance at the 2022 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Leaving for Bangkok, Thailand
Before leaving Istana Nurul Iman, a Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Present at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar in Rimba bidding farewell were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Special Advisor to His Majesty; the Speaker of the Legislative Council; Cabinet Ministers; Members of the Privy Council; Deputy Ministers; the Commissioner of Police, Royal Brunei Police Force; and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
Upon arrival at the Don Mueang Air Terminal, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was welcomed by His Excellency Prawit Wongsuwan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.
Also present to greet His Majesty were Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Thailand.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
