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, in a message in conjunction with ASEAN Day 2024 states that Brunei Darussalam stands ready to work closely with other Member States to ensure that ASEAN can together build a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN. His Majesty in the titah says that ASEAN celebrates the 57th year of its establishment in the spirit of friendship that has united all Members throughout the years. His Majesty says that ASEAN Day is an occasion for ASEAN to reflect on its collective achievements in advancing regional peace, progress and prosperity. ASEAN Day is celebrated every 8th of August.
In the titah, His Majesty says that over the past five decades, ASEAN has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to numerous challenges while steadfastly committing to regional progress. At the same time, ASEAN Member States have worked closely together and with external partners to foster development across the region.
The Monarch in the titah adds that this year also marks a significant milestone for Brunei Darussalam as the country celebrates its 40th Anniversary as a Member of ASEAN. Throughout these years, His Majesty is happy to have witnessed ASEAN's transformation into a leading regional platform for cooperation between the governments and people. His Majesty says ASEAN has also further strengthened Brunei Darussalam's bonds of friendship with other Members, supported the nation's economic development as well as provided vast opportunities for the livelihoods of the people. At the same time, Brunei Darussalam continues to support ASEAN community building including through the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Program, the Brunei-US English Language Enrichment Project, Third Country Consular Assistance and hosting of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.
Looking ahead, His Majesty recalls the aspirations of ASEAN's founding fathers to establish a firm foundation to build trust, expand cooperation and bring benefits to all its people. This, His Majesty adds, continues to be relevant as we develop the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Brunei Darussalam stands ready to work closely with other Member States to ensure that ASEAN can together build a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN.
In this regard, Brunei Darussalam fully supports the Lao People's Democratic Republic and their work as Chair this year under the theme 'ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience' which underlines the importance of the collective effort to address shared challenges while effectively upholding ASEAN Centrality. In ending the titah, His Majesty gives his best wishes for a very happy ASEAN Day and for a prosperous and brighter future for the people and region.
News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto
