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, this evening hosted a Royal Banquet in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, and his delegation, who are in Brunei Darussalam for a three-day State Visit from 2 to 4 November 2026.

Prior to this, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, accompanied His Majesty the Sultan of Oman from The Empire Brunei to Istana Nurul Iman.

Also present at The Empire Brunei to greet His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Royal-in-Attendance.

Present at the Royal Banquet were members of the Royal Family.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. Also present at the Royal Banquet were members of the official delegation of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Royal Banquet began with the recitation of Doa Selamat by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered a titah. This was followed by a titah from His Majesty the Sultan of Oman.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam welcomed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman to Brunei Darussalam for his first State Visit and highlighted that the visit marked a historic occasion as the first visit by a Sultan from the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei. His Majesty recalled His Majesty the Sultan of Oman’s previous visits to Brunei Darussalam before his accession to the throne and expressed hope that the warmth of their longstanding friendship would continue. His Majesty also acknowledged His Majesty the Sultan of Oman’s personal dedication to strengthening bilateral relations, including through his co-chairmanship of Bilateral Consultative Meeting in 1993.

His Majesty emphasized that the centuries-old Sultanates are united by shared faith (Islam) and values, which give the relationship a strong sense of kinship. His Majesty recalled memories of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and expressed appreciation for the late Sultan’s contributions to the close relationship, and hope the bilateral relations continue to flourish under His Majesty’s leadership.

His Majesty wished Oman’s success in realising the Oman Vision 2040 and bring greater well-being and prosperity to the people of the Sultanate of Oman. His Majesty highlighted that the elevating relations to a Strategic Partnership gives renewed purpose to the longstanding ties for over four decades. Through Oman Brunei Investment Company, His Majesty stated that, the partnership realised the cooperation in education and culture. The documents that were signed today will build the foundation and create new opportunities for the people of both countries. His Majesty expressed confidence that future generations of Bruneians and Omanis will continue to build on the warmth, trust and friendship shared by the two countries.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for His Majesty the Sultan of Oman’s wisdom and leadership in pursuing peace amid the current challenging situation in the Gulf and commended His Majesty’s efforts to keep dialogue open for peace and stability as well as reaffirmed that His Majesty’s visit to Brunei Darussalam further strengthened the close bonds between the two countries and looked forward to future opportunities to meet and advance relations between both Sultanates.

His Majesty the Sultan of Oman reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam, highlighting their shared Islamic faith, respect for tradition, and commitment to balancing modernisation with national identity. His Majesty recalled his visit to Brunei in 2014 and praised the warmth of the reception, the country’s heritage, and the close ties between the two royal families and peoples.

His Majesty the Sultan of Oman commended His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s leadership and the country’s progress while preserving its cultural heritage. His Majesty noted the expansion of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations, particularly in economic and investment matters, as well as education and culture.

Looking ahead, His Majesty the Sultan of Oman called for deeper engagement between younger generations and emphasized the two countries’ shared responsibility to prepare their societies for future challenges while remaining rooted in their core values. His Majesty lastly expressed his appreciation for Brunei’s hospitality and confidence in future of relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam.

The Royal Banquet was enlivened by an Orchestra ensemble of musical performance by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Department of Radio Television Brunei, and Brunei Youth Symphony.

The Royal Banquet was held at Istana Nurul Iman.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

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, today received in audience His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman and delegation, who are in Brunei Darussalam for a three-day State Visit from 2 to 4 November 2026. The Audience Ceremony took place at Cheradi Laila Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman.

Prior to this, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, accompanied His Majesty the Sultan of Oman from The Empire Brunei to Istana Nurul Iman.

Also present at The Empire Brunei to greet His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Royal-in-Attendance.

En route to Istana Nurul Iman, His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was greeted by students and teachers from several government and private schools, who waved the national flags of both countries.

STATE WELCOMING CEREMONY

The State Welcoming Ceremony was held on the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the Sultan of Oman proceeded to the Special Dais to receive the Salute of Honour, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries and a twenty-one (21) gun salute. The two leaders then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was then introduced to members of the Royal Family; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Cabinet Ministers; members of the Privy Council; Deputy Ministers; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; Commissioner of Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force; Foreign Envoys; members of the Legislative Council; and Permanent Secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was then introduced to members of the official delegation of the Sultanate of Oman.

AUDIENCE CEREMONY

Following the State Welcoming Ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the Sultan of Oman proceeded to Cheradi Laila Kenchana for the Audience Ceremony.

Also in attendance were members of the Royal Family. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan of Oman was His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.

Also present were members of the official delegation of the Sultanate of Oman and Yang Berhormat Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, as Minister-in-Attendance.

CONFERRAL AND EXCHANGE OF STATE DECORATIONS

The Audience Ceremony was followed by a State Decorations Ceremony, during which His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam conferred the State Decoration of Brunei Darussalam ‘Darjah Kerabat Mahkota Brunei’ (D.K.M.B.) upon His Majesty the Sultan of Oman.

His Majesty the Sultan of Oman also conferred the State Decoration ‘Order of Al-Said’ upon His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

A Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, State Mufti.

BILATERAL MEETING

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam held a Bilateral Meeting with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman at Baitul Mesyuarah. His Majesty welcomed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and delegation on the historic State Visit, which marked the first visit by a Sultan of Oman, and recalled that relations between the two countries span more than four decades. His Majesty also highlighted His Majesty the Sultan of Oman’s significant personal contribution to the enduring friendship, including through the Bilateral Consultative Meeting, which has supported practical cooperation and the establishment of the Oman-Brunei Investment Company (OBIC).

His Majesty welcomed the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership and also the continued progress in ASEAN-GCC relations, and reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working with the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC partners in areas of mutual interests such as trade, climate change and digital innovation.

His Majesty reaffirmed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation through the Straits of Hormouz in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), and expressed concern about tensions in the Middle East and the impact on civilians and infrastructure, and commended the Sultanate of Oman’s mediation efforts, emphasising the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional tensions and promoting peace and stability.

His Majesty reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s support for the Palestinian people and for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, through the two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

SIGNING CEREMONY FOR AGREEMENTS AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the Sultan of Oman then witnessed the Signing Ceremony of a Joint Declaration and five (5) Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman.

1. Joint Declaration on the Elevation of Ties to a Strategic Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Sultanate of Oman

Signing the ‘Joint Declaration on the Elevation of Ties to a Strategic Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Sultanate of Oman’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister.

2. Agreement between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Official, Special and Service Passports

Signing the ‘Agreement between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Official, Special and Service Passports’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Coordinating Minister for Social and Manpower Policies and Minister of Home Affairs, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister.

3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Labour of the Sultanate of Oman in the Fields of Labour and Human Resources Development

Signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Labour of the Sultanate of Oman in the Fields of Labour and Human Resources Development’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Coordinating Minister for Social and Manpower Policies and Minister of Home Affairs, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister.

4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman in the Field of Health Cooperation

Signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman in the Field of Health Cooperation’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister.

5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on Cooperation in the Fields of Agriculture and Fisheries

Signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on Cooperation in the Fields of Agriculture and Fisheries’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoon Al Jabri, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman.

6. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in the Fields of Economy and Strategic Planning

Signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in the Fields of Economy and Strategic Planning’ on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, while signing on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was His Excellency Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoon Al Jabri, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, this afternoon attended a ceremony held in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha. The ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall, Istana Nurul Iman.

The 80th Birthday Celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri mark a significant milestone in honouring Their Majesties’ enduring dedication and invaluable contributions to Brunei Darussalam and its people. Their Majesties’ leadership, commitment to the well-being of the people, and efforts in safeguarding the country’s peace, prosperity, and stability continue to serve as a source of inspiration to the people of Brunei Darussalam.

Also in attendance were members of the Royal Family.

The arrival of Their Majesties and members of the Royal Family was greeted by Co-Chairpersons of the Ceremony’s Committee, namely: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara; Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower, and Minister of Home Affairs; as well as their respective spouses.

His Majesty and Her Majesty were then invited to sign a commemorative parchment before being presented with a commemorative cake in conjunction with Their Majesties’ 80th Birthday Celebrations, as well as the presentation of two Pesambah from the Committee, including a special book titled “The King and the Queen: A Royal Legacy.” The book chronicles the lives of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri, highlighting the roles played by Their Majesties in advancing national development, preserving the Islamic faith, safeguarding the people’s welfare, and strengthening the Malay Islamic Monarchy identity. The roles and contributions of Their Majesties will remain as part of Brunei Darussalam’s history and development, and continue to serve as an inspiration and example to present and future generations in preserving and advancing our beloved nation.

During the Ceremony, a special Doa was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, State Mufti, and followed by a speech by Yang Berhormat Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower; and Minister of Home Affairs.

The Ceremony was enlivened by a video presentation highlighting the special book, “The King and the Queen: A Royal Legacy,” as well as a syair recitation entitled “Julangan Kasih Dirgahayu 80.” The Ceremony also featured a special performance by students of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, as well as special musical performances by an orchestra ensemble of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and youths talent.

In attendance to commemorate Their Majesties’ 80th Birthday Celebrations were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Cabinet Ministers; the Chief Syarie Judge; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Members of the Privy Council; Deputy Ministers; members of the Council of Succession; members of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council; Judges of the Syariah High Court; Judges of the High Court; Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Infofoto