Royal Farewell To Cambodian King

By Yusrin Junaidi
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday bid farewell to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia in a royal audience at the istana Nurul Iman.

The Cambodian King was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office from istana Edinburgh.

Also present to bid farewell to the King of Cambodia and his delegation were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and other members of the royal family.

Also in attendance were cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, members of the Legislative Council, heads of foreign missions, Commissioner of Police, Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and members of the Privy Council.

King Sihamoni Visits Museums [in Brunei]

By Aemy Aziena
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - The King of Cambodia, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, continued his three-day State Visit to Brunei with visits to a couple of historical museums in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday afternoon.

Accompanying His Majesty King Sihamoni was Brunei Minister-in-Attendance, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, the Minister of Education.

Also present were Her Royal Highness, Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy, King Sihamoni's sister and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Malaysia along with senior government officials of Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam.

The delegation first visited the Brunei Museum at Kota Batu, followed by a visit to the Royal Regalia.

There to welcome His Majesty and his entourage at both museums was Brunei Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awg Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud.

At the Brunei Museum in Kota Batu, His Majesty King Sihamoni and delegation toured the Natural History Gallery, the Islamic Art Gallery and' the Brunei Traditional Culture Gallery while at the Royal Regalia, they were shown around the historical building holding many regalia inherited from generations.

Sihamoni visits Brunei Shell Petroleum

Cambodian King Visits BSP

By Azaraimy HH
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia visited Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) Company Sdn Bhd yesterday morning.

Also in attendance was Her Royal Highness Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, His Majesty the King's sister.

His Majesty the King of Cambodia, who is in the Sultanate for a state visit, was accompanied by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Brunei's Minister of Education.

Upon arrival at the Anduki Airfield, His Majesty the King of Cambodia was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, Minister of Development; Awg Hj Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman, Belait District Officer; and Awng Hj Zainai Abidin bin Hj Mohd Ali, the Acting Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum.

From the airfield, the Cambodian entourage proceeded to the company's science and technology educational community outreach project, the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre in Seria.

The Cambodian royal entourage arrived at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre and was greeted by David Purvis, Technical Director and Hj Kamaludin Hj Bungsu, the Darat Asset Manager of Brunei Shell Petroleum.

The Cambodian King's programme at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre commenced with a presentation comprising an overview of Brunei Shell Petroleum. It was followed by a question and answer session.

The royal visit continued with a tour of the exhibition hall at the centre, which showcases over 300 science interactive exhibits detailing the development of the oil and gas industry. The exhibits also provide an out-of-the-classroom experience for visitors and especially youngsters to understand and enjoy learning science and technology related to the oil and gas industry.

While in the exhibition hall, His Majesty the King of Cambodia also viewed a couple of science demonstrations.

Prior to leaving the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, the Cambodian royal entourage proceeded to the viewing gallery to experience a panoramic sweep of the oil and gas installations overlooking the South China Sea.

The visit then culminated with the presentation of a souvenir to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni by Awg Haji Zainal Abidin. To commemorate His Majesty the King of Cambodia's visit, a photo session between His Majesty's entourage and his Bruneian hosts was also arranged.

Top Leaders See King off at Phnom Penh International Airport on Trip to Brunei

(Video with no sound)

(From Top) King Sihamoni Being Greeted By Prime Minister Hun Sen At Phnom Penh International Airport On 24 March, while Acting Head of State Chea Sim (left) and National Assembly Chairman Heng Samrin looking on; king being bidden farewell by Hun Sen while Prince Norodom Sirivudh (center) looking on (Television Kampuchea, 24 Mar)

24 Mar 08
Television Kampuchea (TVK)

On 24 March, Cambodian Government-run Phnom Penh Television Kampuchea in Cambodian at 1200 GMT carried a five-minute video report, in its primetime evening newscast, on Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni leaving for a three-day "state visit" to Brunei, from 24 to 26 March, at the invitation of His Majesty the King of Brunei Darussalam.

The announcer says that present at Phnom Penh International Airport to send the king off were "Samdech Akkeak Moha Thoammeak Pothisal Chea Sim, chairman of the Senate; Samdech Akkeak Moha Ponhea Chakkrei Heng Samrin, chairman of the National Assembly; Samdech Akkeak Moha Senapakdei Decho Hun Sen, prime minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Samdech Sisowath Chivoan Monirak, first vice chairman of the Senate; Samdech Norodom Sirivudh; His Excellency [HE] Nguon Nhel, first chairman of the National Assembly; HE Hong Sun-huot, second vice chairman of the National Assembly and his wife; HE Gen. Tie Banh, deputy prime minister and minister of national defense; HE Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation; HE Deputy Prime Minister Kev Put Reaksmei; HE Deputy Prime Minister Bin Chhin," and other members of the Senate, National Assembly, and Royal Government. Foreign diplomats accredited to Cambodia were also present at the farewell ceremony.

The announcer says that according to the king's message to subjects on 22 March, during his absence from the motherland, Chea Sim is designated "Acting Head of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia."

Photos of King Sihamoni's officials visit to Brunei

Tuesday March 25, 2008
Borneo Bulletin

His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty the King of Cambodia at the Royal Dais. - AZROL AZMI
His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty the King of Cambodia inspecting the Guard of Honour. - AZROL AZMI
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty the King of Cambodia Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik, Her Royal Highness Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Malaysia, and other delegates of Cambodia. - AZROL AZMI
His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty the King of Cambodia during the audience at the Istana Nurul Iman. - JASON LEONG
His Majesty the King of Cambodia shakes hands with the Minister of Education. - YUSRIN JUNAIDI

Cambodia King cruise for a closer look at Kg Ayer

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
By Hj MinorAbsah
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty Preah Bat Samdeeh Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, went on a river cruise for a closer look at Kg Ayer yesterday afternoon.

The Cambodian King, who is in the country for a three-day official visit, was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Samdeeh Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy, His Majesty the King's Sister.

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni was greeted upon arrival at the Custom's Wharf by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya sohan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraj a Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Mohd Yusof.

Using the Tanjong Bakarang vessel, the King and his entourage were brought to cruise along the Brunei River and were briefed on the history and culture of Kg Ayer.

They then made a brief stop at Kg Tanioi Ujung and at the residence of Pengarah Hj Mokti Md Salleh, the Penghulu of Mukim Tamoi.

At the residence, His Majesty King Sihamoni was treated with traditional Malay delicacies as well as a showcase of local traditional handicrafts. His Majesty and the King's sister were also presented with souvenirs as a token of the visit.

Following the brief stop, the visitors then continued with their river guise before heading back to the Custom's Wharf.

Also present during the visit was the minister in attendance, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, Minister of Education as well as the Cambodian Ambassador to Brunei, Nan Sy.

Sultan Receives King Of Cambodia In Audience

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
By Azaraimy HH & Yusrin Junaidi
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - State ties between Cambodia and Brunei are further enhanced as His Majesty the King of Cambodia Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni began a three-day State visit yesterday to the Sultanate.

The Cambodian king arrived at the IstanaNurullman for an audience with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.

Before the audience, His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty the King of Cambodia proceeded to the Royal Dais to receive the Royal Salute, while the national anthems of both Cambodia and Brunei were played. The national flag of Cambodia was also hoisted.

After the 21-gun salute, the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces invited His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty the King of Cambodia to inspect the Guard of Honour.

This was followed by a second Royal Salute before His Majesty the King of Cambodia was introduced to members of the royal family by the Grand Chamberlain.

Also present at the palace reception hall were top government officials, including the Legislative Council speaker, Cabinet Ministers, Privy Council members,

Deputy Ministers, Police Commissioner, Legislative Council members, Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as heads of foreign missions. His Majesty the King of Cambodia was introduced to the heads of foreign missions by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

His Majesty the Sultan was then introduced to the delegation of Cambodia.

His Majesty the King of Cambodia is accompanied by Her Royal Highness Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Malaysia.

Other delegates include Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace Mr Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Som Ol, Ambassador of Cambodia to Brunei Mr Nan Sy, Senior Minister and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Mr Veng Serey Vuth, Member of the Senate Mr Puth Khov, Member of the Parliament Mr Khek Sam On, Minister and Director of the Royal Secretariat Mr Srey Nory, as well as the Secretary of State and Chief of His Majesty the King of Cambodia's Secretariat, Mr Ly Song Veng, among others.

Earlier yesterday, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah welcomed His Majesty the King of Cambodia at the Berakas International Airport.

Also in attendance and welcoming His Majesty the King of Cambodia were Hj Mohd Nor Hj Jeludin, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as Mr Nan Sy, the Ambassador of Cambodia to Brunei.

At the airport, His Majesty the King of Cambodia was introduced to senior government officials. Also present were the Minister in' Attendance, the Ambassador of Brunei to Cambodia, Officers in Attendance, as well as the Military Aide de Camp by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Cambodian king leaves for Brunei

Mon, 24 Mar 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni flew out of the capital Monday for a three-day official visit to Brunei expected to include meetings regarding management of Cambodia's prospective offshore oil reserves. The king's schedule includes a guided tour of the Brunei Shell Petroleum complex in the oil fields of Seria. His visit is at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

Oil-rich Brunei, a fellow member of the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations, has said it is advising Cambodia on management of potentially rich offshore oil reserves which the currently impoverished nation expects to tap by the end of the decade.

The royal visit, scheduled to end Wednesday, is reciprocal after the sultan's visit to Cambodia last April.

Cambodia expects to begin tapping into oil and gas reserves off its south-west coast within the decade.

Sihamoni to visit Brunei Shell Petroleoum...while Donors voiced concern over endemic corruption may turn Cambodia's potential oil wealth into a curse

Cambodian king to visit Brunei Shell Petroleum refinery

Sun, 23 Mar 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to receive a guided tour of the Brunei Shell Petroleum complex during his official visit next week, according to an itinerary received from a palace source Sunday. Sihamoni is scheduled to arrive in the oil-rich sultanate at the personal invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Monday for a three-day visit.

Brunei, a fellow member of the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations, has said it is advising Cambodia on management of potentially rich offshore oil reserves which the currently impoverished nation expects to tap by the end of the decade.

The royal visit is reciprocal after the sultan's visit to Cambodia last April.

Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd in the oil fields of Seria is a company jointly owned by the sultan's government and Royal Dutch Shell, according to the Brunei Petroleum Unit website.

The government site says the Petroleum Unit acts on behalf of the Brunei government "as a regulatory body prudently monitors and oversees all activities that are carried out by concessionaires holding concession areas in Brunei Darussalam."

Sihamoni is scheduled to end his visit Wednesday after a series of engagements featuring meetings with Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtader, a banquet hosted by the sultan in his honour and meetings with various officials expected to further focus on oil and gas.

Donors have voiced concern that endemic corruption may turn Cambodia's potential oil wealth into a curse.

Brunei, however, has been very supportive of Cambodia in its bid to use oil to assist it in shrugging off its donor dependency after 30 years of civil war.

Cambodia's King Sihamoni to visit Brunei

Wed, 19 Mar 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni is to visit Brunei, a fellow member of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, next week, state media reported Wednesday. He was scheduled to arrive in Brunei for the three-day official visit at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday, broadcaster TVK reported quoting the ministry of foreign affairs.

Sihamoni and the sultan met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in April.

Oil-rich Brunei has been advising Cambodia on the management of offshore petroleum reserves which the country expects to begin tapping within two to three years.