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 arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday for a two-day Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam began the official visit with a Welcoming Ceremony which took place at the Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by His Excellency Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand.

The ceremony began with both leaders proceeding to the Special Dais to receive the Salute of Honour accompanied by the National Anthems of both countries. This was followed with the inspection of the Royal Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

His Majesty was then introduced to dignitaries from Thailand, followed with the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the Prime Minister of Thailand.

The Cabinet Ministers of the Government of Thailand subsequently introduced themselves to His Majesty.

After the Welcoming Ceremony, His Majesty proceeded with the Prime Minister to the Pakdi Bokdi Building for a Bilateral Meeting.

At the meeting, His Majesty delivered a titah (royal speech) to express condolences and sympathies to the Thai families who have lost their loved ones in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In this regard, Brunei Darussalam remains deeply concerned over the escalation of violence and reiterated its commitment to a long-term peace plan through the two-state solution and achieving an independent state of the Palestinian people. 

His Majesty expressed hope the international community will come together and bring the conflict to an end for humanitarian assistance to reach Palestine.

His Majesty also recalled the fruitful discussions during the Prime Minister’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam last year to deepen mutually beneficial ties in numerous areas.

As Brunei Darussalam and Thailand marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations through exchanges of visits and joint activities, His Majesty highlighted the countries’ continued expansion of cooperation in many areas including trade, education, defence and people-to-people exchanges over the past four decades.

Brunei Darussalam expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continued support for the supply of rice since 1971, making Thailand an important trading partner.

The emphasis on food security and uninterrupted supply chains is more vital than before amidst the geopolitical uncertainties faced today.

To this end, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to work closely with Thailand in deepening trade linkages in agriculture, energy as well as halal food and welcomed Thailand’s interest in developing investment ties.

His Majesty highlighted people-to-people exchanges are progressing well, including the ongoing education exchanges and the recent naval port calls by three of His Thai Majesty’s Ships: ‘Bhumipol Adulyadej’, ‘Taksin’ and ‘Kraburi’, as well as the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

At the bilateral meeting, His Majesty also exchanged views with the Prime Minister on regional and international issues, including cooperation in ASEAN as well as the situation in Myanmar and developments in the Middle East. 

At the end of the Bilateral Meeting, a joint statement was issued.

His Majesty and the Prime Minister of Thailand witnessed the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Government of His Majesty and the Government of Thailand.

Signing the MoU on Tourism Cooperation on behalf of Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism and His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior on behalf of the Government of Thailand.

Meanwhile, representing the Government of Brunei Darussalam for the MoU between Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) and Thailand's Government Pension Fund (GPF) was Awang Haji Sofian bin Mohammad Jani, Managing Director of BIA, while the Government of Thailand was represented by Mr. Songpol Chevapanyaroj, Secretary General of GPF.

Following the Signing Ceremony, His Majesty viewed a Thai Handicraft Exhibition showcasing local handicraft products.

His Majesty then attended the Official Luncheon, hosted by the Prime Minister of Thailand.

At the luncheon, His Majesty delivered a titah expressing his appreciation to visit Thailand once again particularly in celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.

In the titah, His Majesty recalled rapid developments that have taken place in Thailand. His Majesty added that the ‘Amazing Thailand’ has transformed into an urban economy in the agricultural, manufacturing and services sectors, thus bringing economic prosperity and development to its people.
   
His Majesty in the titah said Brunei Darussalam hopes to continue the close and excellent relations, marked by mutual respect and understanding, as well as to work together in protecting and safeguarding the common aspirations of both countries.
 
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister in his speech touched on His Majesty’s leadership, which is highly respected for being the longest reigning monarch in the world.

His Majesty also attended a Royal Audience Ceremony with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, King of Thailand and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana at Dusit Palace.

The Royal Audience, among other things, aimed to further enhance the long-standing relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand as well as provided the opportunity for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to meet with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana in strengthening the bond and kinship between the royal families of both countries.

Following the Royal Audience, His Majesty left Bangkok. Present at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were His Excellency Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, as the Minister-in-Attendance; and His Excellency Boosara Kanchanalai, Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam.

Accompanying His Majesty to the events was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.