HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined hands with other regional leaders during the opening ceremony of the 14th Asean Summit, reaffirming the association's commitment to increasing cooperation for the benefit of people of the region.
In his remarks at the official opening, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke of Asean's role of placing priority on the interest of people of the 10-member bloc, in accordance with the summit's theme, "Asean Charter for Asean Peoples".
"Today, we are reinforcing the foundations of this burgeoning Asean community. We gather here for the first Asean Summit under a new Asean Charter, which serves as a blueprint for our common future," he said. "Most importantly, in forging ahead, Asean will put people first — in its vision, its policies and in its action plans."
The Prime Minister of Thailand hoped that the summit will serve as a turning point to instill a sense of "Asean citizenship" amongst the people, calling for further promotion of public participation.
He also announced that as the current chair of Asean, Thailand plans to host the Asean Plus Three and East Asia Summits later this year. The 15th Asean Summit has also been slated for October this year.
"The key is to be able to work together to come up with Asean solutions to not only Asean problems but also to global challenges with regional implications. This is what is expected of an Asean Community," he said.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the ceremony, which took place at the Royal Dusit Grand Ballroom of the Dusit Thani Hua Hin hotel.
Following the opening ceremony, His Majesty held a meeting with the Thai prime minister where they discussed and expressed satisfaction on the progress of relations between the two countries.
Afterwards, His Majesty and his regional counterparts attended a royal audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand at the Klai Kang Won Palace in Hua Hin.
Yesterday evening, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness attended a gala dinner hosted by the Thai prime minister in honour of the visiting Heads of State and Government. The dinner took place at the Mrigadayavan Palace in Hua Hin.
Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng was also present at the evening reception.
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