His Majesty hosts Press Conference

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar `Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted some pointers on the progress of the meetings in 22nd ASEAN Summit. His Majesty also answered a few questions from the media during the Press Conference.

A Press Conference held earlier on chaired by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar `Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam who is also the Chairman of ASEAN 2013 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In his Titah, His Majesty the Sultan shared some pointers that were discussed during the first few meetings during the ASEAN Summit. His Majesty stated that the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States had a productive discussions under the theme “Our People, Our Future Together”. His Majesty also touched on the issue of South China SEa and China where they aimed to have a calm and harmonious discussions and they have continued discussions with the ASEAN Head of States. They also take into account the importance of the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in 2013 and followed by the positive momentum 19th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultations and hopefully the Ministers will continue to work actively with China on the way forward for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on the basis of consensus.

His Majesty stated that ASEAN Leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress of ASEAN’s relations with Dialogue Partners and external parties especially their support and contrition to their community building efforts. The Leaders looked forward to the upcoming disaster relief and military medicine exercise in Brunei Darussalam this June, which will be the first humanitarian effort of its kind to bring together ASEAN countries and partners.

In line with the current theme, His Majesty said ASEAN Leaders also recognized the important contribution made by the socio-cultural pillar in bringing their people together and supporting their community building efforts as well as raising ASEAN awareness. In particular, His Majesty and other ASEAN Leaders would like to see greater involvement of youth in ASEAN activities.

His Majesty touched on the progress of ASEAN Economic Community by creating an effective roadmap that will set out initiatives to ease the way of doing business, address investment impediments and incorporate innovation policies into ASEAN’s efforts. They also have discussed on the need for development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card to ease the movement of our business people and investors.

In conclusion, the ASEAN Leaders look forward to meeting their dialogue partners this Octoer in Bandar Seri Begawan at the 23rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Also present at the Press Conference was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Perkama Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

His Majesty the Sultan with Pehin Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this afternoon’s Press Conference