22 March 2013

Media release

Sultan of Brunei to visit New Zealand

The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, will make a State Visit to New Zealand next week.

Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, said the visit underpinned the strong links between Brunei and New Zealand.

“This year Brunei will Chair the Association of South East Asian Nations. ASEAN is taking an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s future, in maintaining peace, stability and security critical to future prosperity within the Asia Pacific region. The Sultan’s visit builds on the positive and friendly relationship between our two countries and is underpinned by bilateral links in education, trade, and defence”.

The State Visit will take place in Wellington and begins on Monday 25 March and concludes on Thursday 28 March. The Sultan will be accompanied by three ministers and about 50 officials and support staff.

As part of his visit, the Sultan will receive a State Welcome at Government House in Wellington at 2pm on 26 March, followed by a State Dinner that evening. The Sultan will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

ends

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