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 left for Bangkok, Thailand to attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) which will be held today and tomorrow.

Accompanying His Majesty is His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Before leaving Istana Nurul Iman, a Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar in Rimba to bid the monarch 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; the Special Advisor to His Majesty; the Speaker of the Legislative Council; Cabinet ministers; members of the Privy Council; deputy ministers; the Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force; and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Upon arrival at the Don Mueang Air Terminal, His Majesty was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Prawit Wongsuwan.

Also present to greet the monarch were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Thailand Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh.

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.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin