His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha recently graced a reception for the monarch’s 78th birthday celebration hosted by diplomatic missions of countries in Brunei.
Their Majesties were accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.
On hand to welcome Their Majesties and members of the royal family was the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Her Excellency Gerda Winkler, the ambassador of Germany to Brunei Darussalam along with heads of diplomatic missions and spouses.
In her speech, Ambassador Winkler expressed the deepest gratitude and delight to continue the tradition of hosting the special reception, which was also a celebration of the countries’ strong diplomatic ties with Brunei.
The dean and the diplomatic corps congratulated His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with many of the countries with Missions in Brunei.
Her Excellency also praised His Majesty’s many successful foreign trips over the past year and Brunei’s many diplomatic achievements as well as the country’s steadfast support for ASEAN in pursuing its goals while effectively upholding ASEAN centrality.
“The establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Bandar Seri Begawan is another important element of Brunei’s contribution to ASEAN and the foreign missions look forward to supporting it,” she said.
The dean expressed appreciation for Brunei’s support for the international rule of law; for the principles of the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter; and for Brunei’s contributions to tackling climate change and protecting its unique biodiversity.
In concluding her speech, Ambassador Winkler wished the monarch and other royal family members good health, long life and happiness.
After the speech, Her Excellency presented His Majesty with a Marble Gold Leaf Flower Vase, sourced from India, as a gift in honour of the monarch.
Handcrafted in the regal tradition of Jaipur in Rajasthan, the vase is adorned with intricate gold-leaf work that displays floral motifs from the Indian tradition. It is meticulously polished to a lacquered finish, exuding the timeless elegance of Indian craftsmanship.
His Majesty and Her Majesty as well as members of the royal family then met with each head of mission, conveying their personal birthday greetings to the monarch.
Currently, twenty-nine countries maintain resident diplomatic missions in Bandar Seri Begawan, working to build cooperation, friendship and mutually beneficial relations.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
