HER Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to grant a joint audience and luncheon for the spouses of the heads of state and government and dialogue partners attending the 23rd Asean Summit, yesterday.

Her Majesty first granted a joint audience at the Royal Lounge, Istana Nurul Iman followed by a tour of the Cultural and Local Handicraft Exhibition at the Royal Banquet Hall.

After the exhibition, Her Majesty consented to host a luncheon for the spouses of the Heads of State and Government while enjoying a cultural performance.

After the luncheon, Her Majesty consented to visit the Dermaga DiRaja in the capital with her distinguished guests for a Brunei River Cruise.

Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

Meanwhile, the delegates comprised spouse of Indonesian President, Datin Ibu Hajah Ani Bambang Yudhoyono; spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor and spouse of Prime Minister of Japan, Madam Akie Abe.

Also in attendance were the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar’s spouse, Madam Daw Khin Khin Win; spouse of Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Madam Tran Thanh Kiem; spouse of the Prime Minister of India, Madam Shrimati Gursharan Kaur and spouse of United Nations Secretary-General Mrs Ban Soon-taek.

Her Majesty and other members of the royal family then boarded the Alap-Alap boat where the river cruise began from the royal wharf at the Dermaga DiRaja up to Bubungan Dua Belas before returning back to the jetty at Istana Nurul Iman. - Borneo Bulletin (10 October 2013)