Friday, October 3, 2008
IN THE festive spirit of Aidil Fitri, state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats, senior government officials and prominent figures in Brunei gathered at Istana Nurul Iman on the first day of Syawal to exchange greetings with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the Royal Family yesterday.
Officials under different ministries came together under one roof as friends and colleagues, mingling freely and catching up with one another before His Majesty, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar arrived.
Accompanying His Majesty and Her Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, entered the banquet hall decorated to look like a lush garden amid spreads of tantalising finger food and desserts.
After eagerly awaiting the arrival of His Majesty and the Royal Family to meet and greet, the invited guests proceeded to join them for the reception.
His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, took the opportunity to personally get to know more recent additions to the diplomatic corps.
The Thai ambassador to Brunei, Phithak Phrombubpha was among those who was given the honour.
Speaking to The Brunei Times during the reception, he said that he was happy to see so many people gathering and it would be a good tradition to keep as it keeps everyone smiling.
With grand decorations luring the eyes towards luxurious and scrumptuous edible creations, guests could be seen freely chatting away, greeting each other and enjoying the fine ambience in the banquet hall.
The public will get their turn to personally meet and greet His Majesty and the Royal Family at Istana Nurul Iman from the second day until the fourth day of Aidil Fitri.
Tourists would also be able to seize the chance to join citizens and residents of Brunei in livening the spirit of Raya celebrations.
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