Malaysia's King On State Visit To Brunei

From Mohd Razman Abdullah BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Brunei), May 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's King Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (front, left), who is on a three-day state visit to Brunei, on Thursday had an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (front, right) at Istana Nurul Iman here. His Majesty and the Queen Tuanku Hajah Haminah (back, left) arrived in the palace grounds at 11am. The national anthems of the two countries were played at the welcoming ceremony as a 21-gun salute boomed. Tuanku Abdul Halim also inspected the guard-of-honour with the Ruler of Brunei. The King and the Queen were both presented with floral bouquets from the Ruler of Brunei's son, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah, before entering Istana Nurul Iman for the state visit. Tuanku Abdul Halim was also introduced to the Speaker of the Brunei Legislative Council, as well as the country's ministers and deputy ministers. This is his first visit abroad after he was installed the 14th Malaysia's King on April 11. At 2.40pm on Thursday, His Majesty visited the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition Gallery at the State Mufti's Office here, and the Royal Regalia Museum where a large collection of royal regalia inherited from generations, were displayed. At 8 tonight, Tuanku Abdul Halim and Tuanku Hajah Haminah will attend a state banquet with the Ruler of Brunei. On Friday, His Majesty will perform Friday prayers at the Jamek 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque with the Ruler of Brunei and locals at noon. Tuanku Abdul Halim and Tuanku Hajah Haminah are scheduled to return to Malaysia at 3.50pm on Friday. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA