(Bandar Seri Begawan, 14th) His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei, Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, yesterday began his official visit in Canberra, Australia. During the visit, he attended a wreath-laying ceremony, a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony, and held separate meetings with the Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and Governor-General Samantha Mostyn. He also attended a luncheon hosted by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
The Crown Prince first visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to attend the wreath-laying ceremony. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Acting Director of the Australian War Memorial Wayne Hitches and Head of Military History Dr. Karl James.
Subsequently, His Royal Highness laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and toured the World War II exhibition hall inside the memorial.
The Australian War Memorial serves as a memorial, museum, and archive, dedicated to commemorating Australians who died or served in wars and defence actions.
The Crown Prince then proceeded to the Australian Parliament House, where he was welcomed in the parliament courtyard by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for the 'Welcome to Country' ceremony.
The ceremony began with an address of welcome by Indigenous Elder Selina Williams, followed by a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony to symbolize prayers for the protection and well-being of the attendees.
The Crown Prince later met Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong at Parliament House. During the meeting, His Royal Highness noted that Australia is a trusted friend and partner to Brunei, with both countries maintaining close cooperation in trade, defense, education, and people-to-people exchanges through a comprehensive partnership.
His Royal Highness pointed out that the commitments made under the Joint Statement on Energy and Food Security would continue to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance both sides' ability to jointly respond to geopolitical challenges.
Penny Wong also welcomed the statement and emphasized that Brunei is an important partner for Australia in establishing resilient energy and food supply chains.
The Crown Prince also welcomed more Australian investors to Brunei and mentioned that both sides could further explore potential cooperation through the 'Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040' and the 'Brunei Vision 2035'.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction with current maritime cooperation, especially the progress made in capacity building programs.
Afterwards, His Royal Highness visited the Deputy Prime Minister's office to attend a luncheon hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also made time to attend and interact with the Crown Prince during the luncheon.
In the afternoon, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah visited Government House in Canberra to meet with Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were personally welcomed by the Governor-General. This also marked the first meeting between the Crown Prince and Princess and Governor-General Mostyn.
During the meeting, Mostyn expressed admiration for His Majesty the Sultan's wise leadership and offered early congratulations for His Majesty's upcoming Diamond Jubilee in 2027.
Both sides also welcomed the longstanding good bilateral relations between Brunei and Australia, particularly cooperation in education and defense.
The Crown Prince also welcomed more Australian tourists to visit Brunei during the '2027 Brunei Tourism Year' to further promote cooperation in tourism and exchanges between the peoples of both nations.
After the meeting, Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by the Governor-General, toured the grounds of Government House by car to see kangaroos. Before concluding their visit and leaving Government House, Their Royal Highnesses were bid farewell by the Governor-General.
Subsequently, His Royal Highness laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and toured the World War II exhibition hall inside the memorial.
The Australian War Memorial serves as a memorial, museum, and archive, dedicated to commemorating Australians who died or served in wars and defence actions.
The Crown Prince then proceeded to the Australian Parliament House, where he was welcomed in the parliament courtyard by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for the 'Welcome to Country' ceremony.
The ceremony began with an address of welcome by Indigenous Elder Selina Williams, followed by a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony to symbolize prayers for the protection and well-being of the attendees.
The Crown Prince later met Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong at Parliament House. During the meeting, His Royal Highness noted that Australia is a trusted friend and partner to Brunei, with both countries maintaining close cooperation in trade, defense, education, and people-to-people exchanges through a comprehensive partnership.
His Royal Highness pointed out that the commitments made under the Joint Statement on Energy and Food Security would continue to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance both sides' ability to jointly respond to geopolitical challenges.
Penny Wong also welcomed the statement and emphasized that Brunei is an important partner for Australia in establishing resilient energy and food supply chains.
The Crown Prince also welcomed more Australian investors to Brunei and mentioned that both sides could further explore potential cooperation through the 'Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040' and the 'Brunei Vision 2035'.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction with current maritime cooperation, especially the progress made in capacity building programs.
Afterwards, His Royal Highness visited the Deputy Prime Minister's office to attend a luncheon hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also made time to attend and interact with the Crown Prince during the luncheon.
In the afternoon, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah visited Government House in Canberra to meet with Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were personally welcomed by the Governor-General. This also marked the first meeting between the Crown Prince and Princess and Governor-General Mostyn.
During the meeting, Mostyn expressed admiration for His Majesty the Sultan's wise leadership and offered early congratulations for His Majesty's upcoming Diamond Jubilee in 2027.
Both sides also welcomed the longstanding good bilateral relations between Brunei and Australia, particularly cooperation in education and defense.
The Crown Prince also welcomed more Australian tourists to visit Brunei during the '2027 Brunei Tourism Year' to further promote cooperation in tourism and exchanges between the peoples of both nations.
After the meeting, Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by the Governor-General, toured the grounds of Government House by car to see kangaroos. Before concluding their visit and leaving Government House, Their Royal Highnesses were bid farewell by the Governor-General.