HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s birthday celebration continued yesterday with heads of diplomatic missions paying tribute to the monarch.

Representing his diplomatic peers in his capacity as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam, Victor A Seleznev, opened his welcoming remarks with a birthday greeting to His Majesty who was accompanied by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.

“It is a pleasure to admire the strong sense of determination and will of the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam who come together to work towards prosperity through economic, religious and cultural aspects whilst preserving social harmony and traditional values,” he said during the celebration that was held at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.

“Over the years, we have witnessed Brunei Darussalam’s outstanding efforts in creating world peace and security,” he said with special reference to the Sultanate’s chairing of Asean and the East-Asia Summit last year while the Sultanate continues to play its unique role in regional and international affairs.

“We are assured that traditional friendship and mutually bene-ficial collaboration between Brunei and our countries will gain further strength and deepen in all possible spheres,” continued the ambassador.

In taking the opportunity to address Their Majesties, the ambassador had also expressed his assurances to the monarch of the Diplomatic Corps’ “highest consideration”.

As part of the celebration, His Majesty was also presented with a pesambah that focussed on the development of national culture and arts and the successes of Brunei’s ‘seniman’ or artists in opening up the country to endless possibilities beyond the country’s borders.

By way of expressing their respect for the Brunei culture, this year’s pesambah came in the form of a canvas painting entitled ‘Contemplation on Disappearing Treasures’ created by a member of the Brunei Artists Association.

“The painting shows a vision of Kg Ayer, which is a cradle of the Bruneian civilisation.

“For many centuries, it was the heart of the Brunei state that attracted guests from different countries of the region and beyond, providing them with safety, fresh supplies and a friendly atmosphere,” it was explained.

“This really does correspond to the name of the country – the Abode of Peace.” - Borneo Bulletin (28 August 2014)