HM King arrives in Brunei, hold talks

Manama, May 3 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today arrived in Brunei Darussalam on a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. HM the King will hold talks on boosting the solid bilateral relations and broadening cooperation, as well as discussing regional and international developments and topics of joint interest. HM the King was welcomed upon arrival at Brunei International Airport by HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan of Brunei and HRH Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. Then, HM the King headed to the Istana Nurul Iman where he was greeted by school students lined up on both sides of the streets welcoming the royal visit. HM the King was accorded an official reception and the two national anthems were played, and twenty one rounds were fired to salute him. HM the King inspected the Guard of Honour lined up to salute him. He was welcomed by senior members of the royal family, ministers, diplomats accredited to Brunei. HM Sultan also welcomed the Bahraini delegation with HM the King. HM the Sultan conferred on HM the King the Royal Family Order of Brunei in recognition of HM the King's role in boosting relations between the two countries. The two monarchs held a meeting at the Istana Nurul Iman in the presence of the two delegations. HM the King expressed thanks to the Sultan of Brunei and people for the warm reception and hospitality received that reflect the solid bilateral relations. HM the Sultan welcomed HM the King's visit that will further broaden the horizons of cooperation. The two sides reviewed friendship relations binding the two countries and ways to expand cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade and investment. They stressed the need for benefiting from both sides' expertise to bolster joint projects and programmes. HM the King highlighted Bahrain's keenness to further enhance friendship relations and cooperation to benefit both countries and their people. HM the King pointed out both sides' keenness to benefit from investment and economic opportunities available in the tow countries. HM the King lauded Brunei's contribution to supporting Islamic causes under the leadership of HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. He wished Brunei Darussalam and its people constant progress and prosperity. HM the Sultan lauded HM the King's eagerness to reinforce the bilateral relations, underlining enthusiasm to expand cooperation with Bahrain. He praised the development achievements witnessed by various areas under the leadership of HM King Hamad.