HM arrives in Beijing for Olympics opening ceremony

HIS Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, arrived in Beijing yesterday evening to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

On hand to greet His Majesty upon arrival at the Beijing International Airport, was Her Excellency Jiang Li, Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China accompanied by senior government officals.

Also present to greet His Majesty were Her Excellency Magdalene Teo Chee Siong, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China and officials from the Brunei Darussalam Embassy in Beijing. Accompanying His Majesty to Beijing is His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

Earlier in the day His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik were present at Brunei International Airport to bid the monarch farewell.

Also in attendance were Pengiran Cheterias, cabinet ministers and senior government officials. No information was released on whether His Majesty is expected to meet high-ranking Chinese officials during his visit. More than 80 state leaders were expected to attend the opening ceremony of the 29th Olympic Games, which takes place at the Bird's Nest National Stadium in Beijing tonight.

The Brunei Times

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