NEW YORK, SEPT 24 – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has left to attend a meeting separately with the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), His Excellency António Guterres and the President of the Republic of Kosovo, His Excellency Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, yesterday.
Meeting with His Excellency the UN Secretary General
His Majesty the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam first went to hold a meeting with His Excellency the UN Secretary General which took place at the UN Headquarters, New York, United States.
During the meeting, His Majesty emphasized, among others, that in celebrating the 40th anniversary of becoming a member of the United Nations this year, Brunei Darussalam has benefited widely from the membership. Therefore, Brunei emphasizes its firm commitment to the multilateral system through peacekeeping missions and initiatives to address poverty and education.
At the regional level, UN support has benefited all ASEAN member countries. Furthermore, ASEAN has taken strong steps in realizing community development efforts with dialogue partners including welcoming the entry of Timor-Leste into ASEAN.
In addition, a diplomatic solution to the political situation in Myanmar guided by the Five Point Consensus was also raised by His Majesty. In this matter, stronger cooperation between UN Special Envoy to Myanmar and Special Envoy to ASEAN Chair on Myanmar also need to be more encouraged.
Lastly, Brunei Darussalam remains committed to continuing to work closely with His Excellency and the United Nations. to further develop cooperation in the coming years.
Bilateral meeting with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kosovo
Next, at the Park Hyatt New York, His Majesty the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam agreed to hold a bilateral meeting with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kosovo, where His Majesty ordered to welcome Her Excellency and the delegation to Brunei Darussalam for a country visit on December 2 to 3.
Regarding bilateral relations, since establishing diplomatic relations in 2017, Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Kosovo have maintained friendly relations, especially educational cooperation through a scholarship program awarded to 14 Kosovo students since 2001. In this regard, His Majesty welcomed more Kosovo students to continue lessons under the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship to foster closer friendship and understanding among the youth.
In addition, Brunei’s financial contribution through the Kosovo Humanities Fund 2000 has helped fund scholarships for Kosovo students and orphanages, as well as build schools and mosques.
Touching on the United Nations, His Majesty, among others, emphasized Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to promote lasting peace and stability in Kosovo under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
Their Majesties and Excellencies also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest including developments in Russia-Ukraine; the situation in Palestine-Israel and the relationship between the great powers.
