Bandar Seri Begawan: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, hosted a state banquet this on Tuesday at Istana Nurul Iman in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam delivered a speech in which he expressed his immense pride in His Majesty the Sultan’s visit, reiterating his warm welcome to His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.
He affirmed that this visit represents an important milestone in enhancing rapprochement between the two countries and consolidating joint cooperation to open new horizons for partnerships and investment.
His Majesty the Sultan also delivered a speech. Below is the full text:
“Your Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
It is a great pleasure to be received this evening by Your Majesty, here in beautiful Brunei Darussalam, in such a gracious and welcoming setting. We are equally honored to express our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptionally warm welcome, the generous hospitality, and the kind sentiments extended to me and my accompanying delegation. This warm reception is a reflection of the valued relations between our two countries, which we hold in the highest regard.
Your Majesty,
Your Country is a land that has long held a special place in our hearts, and with which Oman is bound by a friendship distinguished by sincerity, mutual affection, and enduring goodwill.
This visit carries a personal resonance for us, as we recall with lasting pleasure our visit to Brunei Darussalam in 2014. The exceptional warmth of the reception, and the opportunity to appreciate more closely the rich heritage and living traditions of your people, remain deeply cherished. To stand once more on this soil is a source of great satisfaction, and an occasion to reinforce a friendship that has continuously strengthened over the years through mutual regard and the enduring brotherly ties between our two families and peoples.
Your Majesty,
We are united by much that is familiar and precious to us both: our shared Islamic faith, our reverence for tradition, the central place we accord to family and community, and our conviction that progress and modernization must remain firmly rooted in the values and identity of our peoples.
Both of our nations possess a rich, long-standing history that stretches back through centuries. Brunei stands as a historic nation, anchored in a rich civilization that has flourished for centuries. Across the decades, the fruitful exchanges between Oman and Brunei have drawn our countries closer, and the personal regard that has accompanied these exchanges has helped to fashion a relationship of genuine warmth and cultural understanding.
Your Majesty,
Your long and distinguished reign has accompanied an important chapter in the history and development of Brunei Darussalam. We have followed with admiration the achievements of your country, and the care devoted to preserving its distinctive heritage, while advancing the well-being and aspirations of your people.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we have witnessed significant growth in cooperation across various fields. We take great pleasure in seeing that our enduring friendship finds its tangible expression in economic and investment cooperation.
Your Majesty,
Our visit has afforded us a welcome opportunity to reflect upon the significant gains both countries have achieved, and to look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
We are pleased with the progress of our cooperation in education, culture, as well as investment and other areas that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.
Equally, we recognise the vital importance of strengthening the bonds between our younger generations, ensuring that the friendship we enjoy today continues to find new meaning and expression in the years to come.
As we look toward the future, we are aware of the responsibilities that accompany our national development. Oman and Brunei are united in a commitment to prepare our societies for the challenges of tomorrow, while remaining faithful to the core values that have shaped them.
Your Majesty,
As we gathered this evening in the warmth of Your hospitality, we do so with sincere appreciation for the values and bonds that unite our countries, and with every confidence in the future that lies before them.
Allow me to extend my heartfelt thanks to Your Majesty, to the Royal Family, and to the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam for the gracious reception and the peerless hospitality accorded to us during this memorable visit.
May Allah the Almighty Grant Your Majesty continued good health, happiness and well-being, and I wish the brotherly people of this noble nation everlasting stability, peace and prosperity.
Thank you."
The banquet was attended by the official Omani delegation and senior Bruneian officials.
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