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 titah says that ASEAN and the U.S. remain committed to peaceful engagement, including through dialogue and consultations within the various ASEAN-led mechanisms to ensure continued regional peace, stability and prosperity.
His Majesty made the titah at a Working Luncheon hosted by Her Excellency Kamala D. Harris, Vice President of the United States of America that took place at the Department of State, Washington D.C. In the titah, His Majesty highlights that ASEAN has established the ASEAN SHIELD to ensure a collective, rapid and effective response to multi-dimensional emergencies and disasters in the future, and encouraged relevant U.S. agencies such as the Federal Management Agency and the U.S. Center for Disease and Control Prevention to add value to ASEAN's efforts to build a more resilient region.
The Monarch in titah also recalls the East Asia Summit Leaders' Statement on Mental Health Cooperation, which the U.S. co-sponsored in 2021. In this regard, His Majesty hopes that ASEAN and the U.S. can advance cooperation in mental health. In addition, maritime security cooperation in the region also remains vital for ensuring the safety of sea lanes of communication. His Majesty underlines that Brunei Darussalam continues to work closely with regional partners in promoting maritime security through dialogue and cooperation, through the hosting of the ninth Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum last year, which focused on international law and marine environmental protection; as well as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus, in which the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure between military officials was expanded to include external partners such as the U.S. His Majesty's arrival at the Department of State was greeted by Ambassador Rufus Gifford, Chief of Protocol for the United States. His Majesty then proceeded to the Benjamin Franklin Room to attend the luncheon. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.
The Working Luncheon began with welcoming remarks delivered by the Vice President of the United States of America, highlighted that the U.S. remains committed to deepening its relationship with ASEAN and its Member States, and noted the vital strategic importance of the region towards prosperity and security of Americans. The Leaders also discussed on maritime cooperation as well as health and pandemic recovery.
Source: Radio Television Brunei