SUBANG, Oct 13 — The King and Queen of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, left for Brunei this morning for a three-day state visit.
This marks Their Majesties’ inaugural state visit to Brunei after ascending the throne on January 31, at the invitation of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The special aircraft carrying Their Majesties took off from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base here at 9.30am.
Also accompanying Their Majesties’ are Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim and 13 officers.
On hand to wish them a safe journey were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Before boarding the plane, the King inspected a guard of honour mounted by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. A 21-gun salute was held and the national anthem played.
Their Majesties’ visit will strengthen the special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, underpinned by the Malay sultanate institution, religion, culture and family ties.
Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah will be accorded a state welcome at Istana Nurul Iman, followed by an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.
During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah are set to hold an engagement session with the Malaysian community in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Queen is also scheduled to visit Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, where she will inaugurate the Malaysia Publication Corner that showcases joint research publications between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
Their Majesties’ visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei.
— Bernama
