(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) The diplomatic corps hosted a farewell dinner last night to bid farewell to Lao Ambassador to Brunei, Sendavanh Voungsai, and British High Commissioner to Brunei, Alexander Mackenzie.
The head of the diplomatic corps and German Ambassador to Brunei, Gerda Winkler, expressed her gratitude to the guests attending the event and acknowledged the deep friendship Brunei has established with other countries.
She expressed that it is always sad to say goodbye to colleagues, especially in our small and tight-knit community, where we are like family.
She paid tribute to Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai’s three-year tenure and emphasized her significant role in strengthening bilateral relations.
She noted that Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai coordinated two important state visits — President Thongloun Sisoulith's visit to Brunei in October 2022 and the Sultan of Brunei's reciprocal visit to Laos in October 2023. As the 2024 ASEAN Chair, Laos relied on Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai's work in Brunei, including hosting two ministerial delegations in her final week. Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai also served as the honorary financial officer of the diplomatic corps for nearly three years.
“She performed her duties meticulously and flawlessly, comparable to a Swiss watch.”
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Alexander Mackenzie, who arrived in Brunei in August 2024, was praised for her enthusiasm and active engagement during her short stint.
“Although she stayed with us for only a few months, she quickly emerged and received a warm welcome from our diplomatic family.”
The two envoys will soon return home, with Sendavanh Voungsai returning to Vientiane and Mackenzie High Commissioner returning to London.
The evening concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts and farewell cards prepared for the two diplomats.
The head of the diplomatic corps and German Ambassador to Brunei, Gerda Winkler, expressed her gratitude to the guests attending the event and acknowledged the deep friendship Brunei has established with other countries.
She expressed that it is always sad to say goodbye to colleagues, especially in our small and tight-knit community, where we are like family.
She paid tribute to Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai’s three-year tenure and emphasized her significant role in strengthening bilateral relations.
She noted that Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai coordinated two important state visits — President Thongloun Sisoulith's visit to Brunei in October 2022 and the Sultan of Brunei's reciprocal visit to Laos in October 2023. As the 2024 ASEAN Chair, Laos relied on Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai's work in Brunei, including hosting two ministerial delegations in her final week. Ambassador Sendavanh Voungsai also served as the honorary financial officer of the diplomatic corps for nearly three years.
“She performed her duties meticulously and flawlessly, comparable to a Swiss watch.”
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Alexander Mackenzie, who arrived in Brunei in August 2024, was praised for her enthusiasm and active engagement during her short stint.
“Although she stayed with us for only a few months, she quickly emerged and received a warm welcome from our diplomatic family.”
The two envoys will soon return home, with Sendavanh Voungsai returning to Vientiane and Mackenzie High Commissioner returning to London.
The evening concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts and farewell cards prepared for the two diplomats.