His Majesty lauds Brunei's ties with the Netherlands
By Liza Mohd in Amsterdam

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam lauded the shared values of commitment and resolve between Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands that has led to the 80-year-old commitment between His Majesty's Government and the Royal Dutch Shell.

His Majesty delivered a titah during a luncheon hosted in honour of the monarch's visit by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard at Noodeinde Palace, The Hague. Prior to the luncheon, His Majesty held a four-eye meeting with Her Majesty. Following the meeting, His Majesty was introduced to HRH Crown Prince William-Alexander, Prince of Orange and his wife HRH Princess Maxima.

His Majesty in his titah said he believed that his visit to the Netherlands, especially to Royal Dutch Shell, was very significant as it acknowledged the role the company had played in Brunei Darussalam's development.

The visit also provided an opportunity for His Majesty to express appreciation for the continued commitment of Royal Dutch Shell and to renew and strengthen the existing partnership.

His Majesty acknowledged The Hague as the birthplace of international peace and it is the city in which many vital institutions are based. His Majesty also highlighted that the idea of peace is in line with the meaning of Brunei Darussalam, the "Abode of Peace".

His Majesty also stated that Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands are committed to tolerance, understanding and mutual respect. Following the luncheon, His Majesty and Prime Minister Mark Rutte had a meeting at the Cathuis, official residence of the Prime Minister.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations especially in the fields of trade and investment, energy, defence and education. His Majesty and Prime Minister Mark Rutte also exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Also in attendance were Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and Minister of Energy Pehin Datu Singamenteri Col (R) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar. - Borneo Bulletin (14th January 2011)


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