ASEAN DIPLOMACY: JAKARTA – Sultan seeks to bolster alliance with Indonesia
.
.
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 held a bilateral meeting with Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia.
During the meeting which took place at the Bilateral Room of Istana Bogor as part of His Majesty’s two-day State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia, both leaders discussed about increasing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade, investment, security and defence, tourism and connectivity between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia.
The meeting also discussed new areas of collaboration. Both leaders expressed hope that such efforts will benefit the people, the private sector and the economy of both countries.
During the meeting, both leaders also discussed regional issues and exchanged views on international matters of mutual interests.
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 and Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia inspecting the guard of honour. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO.
His Majesty looks on as Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam signs the visitors’ book. President of the Republic of Indonesia is also in the picture.
His Majesty during a sapling-planting event with President of the Republic of Indonesia at the garden of Istana Bogor
.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
Earlier in the morning, His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam attended the official welcoming ceremony for the State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia, at Istana Bogor.
Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
At Istana Bogor, Their Majesties were warmly welcomed by Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia and his wife Ibu Hajah Iriana Widodo.
His Majesty and President of the Republic of Indonesia then received the official salute, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries followed by a 21-gun salute.
His Majesty, together with the President of the Republic of Indonesia later inspected the guard of honour.
Thereafter, Their Majesties were ushered to Grand Stairway area of the Istana for the introduction of both countries’ delegations. Firstly, the Brunei Darussalam delegation was introduced to the President of the Republic of Indonesia and wife.
This was followed by the introduction of the Indonesian delegation to Their Majesties.
Their Majesties afterwards proceeded to Teratai Hall for a photograph session with President Joko Widodo and wife, before signing the guests’ book.
Their Majesties together with President Joko Widodo and wife, were then invited to the veranda of the Istana for informal talks while viewing the garden and compound of Istana.
From there, Their Majesties went on to attend separate programmes.
Firstly, His Majesty and President Joko Widodo proceeded to the garden of Istana for a sapling-planting event to mark His Majesty’s State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia.
The tree planted was a Putat Tree (Barringtonia Asiatica) which is locally known as Pohon Perdamaian (peace tree). The tree-planting ceremony symbolised the friendship and close cooperation of the two countries.
Four-Eye Meeting
After the tree-planting ceremony, His Majesty and the President of the Republic of Indonesia proceeded to the President’s Office for a four-eye meeting. The bilateral meeting was held after the four-eye meeting.
.
.
Cordial Meeting
Meanwhile, in a separate area of the Istana, Her Majesty held a cordial meeting with Ibu Hajah Iriana Widodo.
Accompanying Her Majesty to the meeting was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.
Prior to that, Her Majesty viewed a batik-making exhibition which was showcased by one of the leading batik makers in Indonesia.
State Luncheon
After the bilateral meeting, Their Majesties proceeded to the veranda of Istana Bogor for a State Luncheon hosted by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, in honour of Their Majesties’ State Visit to Indonesia.
After the luncheon, Their Majesties left Istana Bogor. Bidding farewell to Their Majesties were President Joko Widodo and wife.
/Borneo Bulletin
