His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday afternoon granted an audience to Mr Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy, Vice Chairman of Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council of the Sultanate of Oman.

During the audience, the visiting minister briefed His Majesty on developments in the relations and cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam, especially in the areas of economy and finance. The minister is in Brunei Darussalam on a four-day working visit.

Brunei Darussalam and Oman enjoy a wide variety of cooperation as 14 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements in various areas have been concluded by the two countries. This year, two MoUs on cooperation in the areas of health and investment, respectively, were signed - MoU between the Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman and on the establishment of a joint investment fund.

The audience ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade received the visiting Omani minister at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan yesterday and exchanged views on ways to enhance economic and financial cooperation between the two countries.

His Royal Highness later hosted a luncheon for Mr Ahmed Bin Abdulnabi Macki. Also present at the luncheon was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. - Borneo Bulletin (8th July 2009)