The US State Department Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr Kurt Campbell, is currently in Brunei on a working visit in his regional tour.

US Ambassador William E. Todd joined Mr Campbell at an audience with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.

Prior to the audience, Ambassador Todd and the Assistant Secretary were in meetings and discussions with His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Later yesterday afternoon, Mr Campbell and Ambassador Todd embarked on a tour of Bandar Seri Begawan and took the opportunity to view the construction of the new US Embassy building located at the Diplomatic Enclave in Jalan Kebangsaan.

This was followed by a high tea reception hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng for the visiting dignitary and the US Ambassador to Brunei, as well as Chief of Staff Mark Tesone, Special Advisor Nirav Patel, and Deputy Chief of Mission, John McIntyre.

This is Mr Campbell's first visit to Brunei since assuming his duties as the Assistant Secretary of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in June 2009.

After Brunei, Campbell will continue his tour to Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. - Borneo Bulletin (14th March 2010)