His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam left Darwin after concluding a State Visit to Australia.

Prior to leaving, Doa Selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang

Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

Present at the Royal Australian Air Force Base to bid farewell were Commander Chelsea Livingstone, representative of His Excellency Governor-General of Australia; Mr. Craig Kitchen MVO, representative of His Honour Administrator of the Northern Territory; and His Excellency Luke Arnold, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present were His Excellency Garry Ramlee bin Ibrahim, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Australia and personnel from the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Canberra.

Whilst in Canberra to begin the State Visit, His Majesty attended a Courtesy Call with His Excellency General The Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC Retired, Governor-General of Australia, in which both leaders welcomed the further strengthening of bilateral relations in existing areas of cooperation such as defence, education and people-to-people exchanges, as well as the exploration of cooperation in new areas of mutual interest to both countries.

His Majesty also attended a State Luncheon hosted by His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, in which His Majesty delivered a titah highlighting that Brunei and Australia continue to share a close and excellent relationship, marked by mutual respect and understanding. Australia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei in 1984 and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership is timely with the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Brunei Darussalam and Australia in 2024.

During a Meeting with The Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, His Majesty and The Honourable discussed on bilateral matters of mutual importance to both countries including exploration in new areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity, climate change and food security.

In Canberra, His Majesty also attended a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial; the State Welcoming Ceremony at Government House, Canberra; and a Dinner hosted by The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia at The Lodge. Meanwhile in Melbourne, His Majesty attended a Luncheon hosted by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC VCO, Governor of Victoria. During the Luncheon, His Majesty delivered a titah stating that the direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Melbourne have not only facilitated travel from Brunei Darussalam to Australia, but also instrumental to Brunei's food supply especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Majesty was also appreciative to the Victoria State Government for welcoming Brunei students who are continuing their studies in Australia.

Whilst in Melbourne, His Majesty attended the Get-Together Ceremony with Students as well as Citizens and Residents of Brunei Darussalam in Australia and New Zealand. The ceremony provided a golden opportunity to meet and greet His Majesty.

His Majesty concluded the State Visit in Darwin with visits to the Royal Australian Air Force Base and Robertson Barracks, in which His Majesty had the opportunity to board the C-TWENTY SEVEN-J Spartan aircraft and then a toll helicopter, as well as viewed the Eurocopter Tiger Helicopter, and a static display of military equipment and system.

To further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam signed the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Commonwealth of Australia with The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, who represented the Government of Australia. The Joint Declaration formalises the elevation of bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia to a Comprehensive Partnership, which encompasses existing cooperation between both countries as well as new areas such as cybersecurity, food security and climate change.

Source:
RTB NEWS

by RTB NEWS

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