KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The King and Queen of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, will undertake a state visit to Brunei Darussalam tomorrow until October 15.
This marks His Majesty’s inaugural state visit to the sultanate since ascending the throne on January 31 this year.
The Foreign Ministry, in a statement today, said the state visit will further strengthen the close and special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, underpinned by the Malay sultanate institution, religion, culture and family ties.
“The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam,” it said.
Their Majesties will be accompanied by Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, as well as officials from Istana Negara, relevant ministries and agencies.
During the visit, Their Majesties will be accorded a state welcoming ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, followed by an audience with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.
“His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will also host a state banquet in honour of Their Majesties. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah are also scheduled to hold an engagement session with the Malaysian community in Bandar Seri Begawan.
“During the visit, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah is also scheduled to visit Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, where Her Majesty will inaugurate the Malaysia Publication Corner, which showcases joint research publications between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia,” the statement read.
In 2023, Brunei was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and sixth largest trading partner among Asean member countries, with a total trade of RM9.31 billion.
From January to July this year, the total trade between the two countries was RM5.48 billion.
— Bernama
