BRIDEX organisers praised on job well done

VISITING naval forces have expressed their appreciation towards the organisers of Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 on a job well done.

French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Louis Le Vert said that he admired how the organisers managed to make the premier regional defence exhibition a success despite some last-minute delegates registering.

"It was a challenge for the Brunei authorities, but they managed to do it quite well. It is very admirable," he told The Brunei Times aboard Le Somme, a French naval supply ship that docked at Muara Port to participate in BRIDEX 2009.

The French ambassador noted the exchange of military experiences and knowledge between Brunei and France. He said that it was important for France to assist in defence and safety, especially since a French company, Total E&P Borneo BV was operating in Brunei's waters.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Bruno Nielly of the French Joint Command in Indian Ocean said that Le Somme was manned by some 160 crew and 35 staff. It was his first time in Brunei and expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him and the ship's personnel.

He also thought that BRIDEX was well-organised.

In the military field, he remarked that Brunei and France share similar concerns, particularly in facing new threats and risks such as natural catastrophes.

This sort of goal-matching between authorities is a good opportunity to exchange views, which could be different or complementary to each other, he said.

Meanwhile, on board the USS Russell, United States Navy Commanding Officer Commander Rodney M Patton said: "Part of the aims of this reception is to show cooperation and support among different navy forces in a bid to promote peace and security within the region."

The commander said that BRIDEX was a good opportunity to observe what each participating country was capable of, including theirs.

"It's a good chance to gain insight into different technologies and capabilities of each country and learn from them as well as to see what each country had to offer," he said.

While he enjoyed the exhibition, the commander added that the highlight of his visit was competing in a friendly sports match between the participating countries.

"We hope to come back the next time they hold the exhibition and next time we're expecting to bring more ships in," he said.

Present during the receptions on board both ships was Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.

A total of four ships docked at Muara Port and the Royal Brunei Navy Base. They are from US, France, Singapore and China.

The Brunei Times