HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam commenced his working visit to Honolulu, Hawaii, after departing from Peru last Sunday, where His Majesty attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Forum 2008.

His Majesty's itinerary in Hawaii included a visit to the United States Pacific Command (Uspacom) headquarters and Pearl Harbour.

Upon arrival at the Hawaii air force base, His Majesty was welcomed by the deputy commander of the US Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Douglas Fraser and the ambassador of the United States to Brunei Darussalam, William E Todd.

Also present to accompany His Majesty throughout the visit were Deputy Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi.

On the first day of the working visit, the monarch visited the Uspacom headquarters where His Majesty was greeted by the naval commander, Admiral Willard, according to state broadcaster Radio Television Brunei (RTB) last night.

At the headquarters, His Majesty was given an overview on the mission of the Uspacom, which was established in January 1947. It is reportedly the oldest and largest unified command centre in the United States.

After the overview, the monarch proceeded to the USS Russel, a destroyer class naval ship, where His Majesty was briefed on the navigational equipment and the facilities on board the ship.

From the naval ship, His Majesty then moved on to the Pacific Boat-House. While there, the caretaker of the boat-house, Frank Hagen briefed the monarch on the history and development of warships. Afterwards, His Majesty along with the American officials and Bruneian delegation took a boat trip. His Majesty's working visit was aimed at strengthening relations between both countries. (ODM1)

The Brunei Times