'Brunei important partner...': Modi holds meeting with Sultan Bolkiah
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on Wednesday at the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's official residence in Bandar Seri Begawan, during the second day of his visit to the Southeast Asian country.
In a post on X, PM Modi described the talks as "wide-ranging" and noted that they focused on "ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations."
Statement
'Expand trade ties, commercial linkages, people-to-people exchanges...': PM
"Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties... We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges," PM Modi said in his post.
To recall, PM Modi and the Brunei Sultan met for the first time on the sidelines of 25th ASEAN Summit at Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014 and again during the 2017 East Asia Summit held in Manila.
Diplomatic agenda
Delegation-level talks, MoU signing to follow PM's meeting
Following the meeting, delegation-level talks are planned, during which both sides will sign and exchange memoranda, reports said.
Later, the Prime Minister will attend a lunch hosted by the Sultan before departing for Singapore as part of his two-nation tour.
This marks the first visit by an Indian head of state to Brunei, despite the two countries having maintained diplomatic relations for over 40 years.
Istana Nurul Iman
PM Modi's lunch at world's largest palace
The prime minister will be hosted by the Sultan for a banquet lunch at his official residence Istana Nurul Iman Palace.
The Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the world's largest palace and has its name registered in Guinness World Records.
It boasts of 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and 44 staircases made of 38 kinds of marble.
Cultural visit
PM Modi's visit to Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
On Tuesday evening, PM Modi visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, built by the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, father of the current Sultan.
Earlier that day, Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei.
In Singapore, he is scheduled to meet PM Lawrence Wong and call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, followed by a dinner hosted by Wong on Wednesday night.