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 expressed confidence that the shared ties between Brunei and Cambodia will continue to thrive as both sides navigate the challenges faced by the global community, including the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical uncertainty and major power rivalry.
His Majesty delivered a titah during a state luncheon hosted by King of Cambodia His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni at Preah Reach Damnak Serei Mongkol, Royal Palace Ground on Monday. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam noted the remarkable strides Cambodia has made in its socio-economic development, which is testament to His Majesty the King of Cambodia’s leadership and the steadfast commitment of the Government of Cambodia.
As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Cambodia, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam acknowledged the excellent cooperation between the two countries in the areas of education, trade, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
The goodwill and friendship both sides enjoy at all levels were built upon the foundation set by the late King-Father, His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also expressed his appreciation for Cambodia’s role in Brunei Darussalam’s food supply by ensuring a steady supply of jasmine rice.
With the signing of the memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations during the state visit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam believed that the cooperation reaffirms the commitment of both sides to advance relations further, and encouraged for it to be implemented soon as well as explore new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.
Following the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam extended his congratulations to Cam-bodia on its successful Chairmanship of ASEAN and expressed confidence that Cambodia’s efforts over the past year will contribute to long-term resilience.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also thanked Cambodia for its firm support throughout Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam extended his best wishes for the excellent health and happi-ness of His Majesty the King of Cambodia and members of the royal family, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of Cambodia and its people.
Earlier, His Majesty the King of Cambodia expressed his sincere gratitude to the government and citizens of Brunei for supporting Cambo-dians in the sectors of education, social and humanitarian affairs as well as technical knowledge.
His Majesty the King of Cambodia emphasised that the state visit of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is a testament to the continuation of long-standing close ties and friendship, solidarity and bilate-ral cooperation between Brunei and Cambodia.
The state luncheon, enlivened with cultural performances, was held in honour of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s state visit to Cambodia.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin