HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, together with 12 other Heads of State, met yesterday morning with His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China.

The breakfast meeting was held at the China World Hotel in Beijing.

During the breakfast meeting, His Majesty in his titah expressed his appreciation to President Hu Jintao for the warm and generous hospitality given by the People's Republic of China.

His Majesty acknowledged China's hard work in hosting the Olympic Games and reiterated the importance of China as a crucial member in ensuring peace and development in the region.

His Excellency Hu Jintao held the breakfast meeting to express confidence of "distinctive" and "high-level" Beijing Olympics as well as China's willingness to strengthen ties with these countries.

His Majesty arrived back in Brunei Darussalam, later in the afternoon.

Prior to His Majesty's departure from Beijing, a "doa selamat" was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz Juned, the State Mufti.

Present at the Beijing International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty, were Her Excellency Li Bin, the Minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission; and senior officials of the Government of the the People's Republic of China.

Also present were Her Excellency Magdalene Teo Chee Siong, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China; and officials of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Beijing.

His Majesty was accompanied throughout the visit by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

Also present at the breakfast meeting included, Bosnia-Herzegovina President Haris Silajdzic, Representative of Queen Elizabeth II and Head of State of the Cook Islands Frederick Goodwin, Head of State of Luxembourg Le Grand-Duc Henri and Supreme Head of State of Malaysia Mizan Zainal Abidin to name a few. (AAB1)

The Brunei Times