His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah left Ottawa, Canada after concluding the official visit to Canada and has safely arrived in Washington, DC, United States to begin a three-day official visit.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, were HRH Prince 'Abdul Muntaqim and HRH Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah.

Before leaving the hotel, a prayer was recited by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamidon bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Abdul Hamid.

Present at the airport to bid farewell were Ms Sonya Thissen, Associate Chief of Protocol of Canada and Rakiah Haji Abd Lamit, Brunei Darussalam's High Commissioner to Canada, as well as officers of the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Canada.

Prior to leaving the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah were presented with a performance by the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

On arrival at the Washington Dulles International Airport, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah were greeted by Mr Joseph Yun, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Dato Paduka Haji Yusoff bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Brunei Darussalam's Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the United States.

The official visit is from September 18-20, during which His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will visit the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Treasury, and Department of State, as well as meeting various representatives of the United States' Government. While in Washington, DC, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will also be visiting the George Washington University.

Also accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince during the departure from Ottawa, Canada and arrival in Washington, DC, United States, was Prince Abdul Qawi. - Borneo Bulletin (19th September 2011)