His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other top delegates got down into serious discussion yesterday at the 2nd ministerial meeting of the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (or AMED II) in Cairo, Egypt.

Attending the meeting with HRH Prince Mohamed is Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah.

The deliberations in Sharm El-Sheikh (from yesterday) focuses on three tracks of pillars, which are political issues, economic issues as well as social, educational, scientific and media issues, according to RTB.

Under these tracks, selected issues and topics are being addressed. On political and security issues, the delegates discussed the political development and reforms in Asia and the Middle East. The topics include a comprehensive approach on combating terrorism and natural diseases and communicable diseases.

The delegates also focus on economic reforms and improving investment climate as well as tourism exchange between the two regions. And in the third track, they talk on cultural aspects and dimensions of development process in Asia and the Middle East.

The theme for AMED II is "Partnership in Action Towards a Better Future". The meeting was opened yesterday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Arab Republic of Egypt, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The Asia-Middle East Dialogue was launched in Singapore in June 2005 to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between Asia and the Middle East.

The participating countries are from North and Southeast Asia, South and Central Asia, West Asia and North Africa. - Borneo Bulletin (6th April 2008)