Bandar Seri Begawan , June 22 (AseanAll)  — Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam held a State Visit to Australia from 19 to 21 June 2023.

Whilst in Canberra to begin the State Visit, the Sultan attended a Courtesy Call with General David John Hurley AC DSC Retired, Governor-General of Australia, in which both leaders welcomed the further strengthening of bilateral relations in existing areas of cooperation such as defence, education and people-to-people exchanges, as well as the exploration of cooperation in new areas of mutual interest to both countries. 

The Sultan also attended a State Luncheon hosted by the Governor-General of Australia, in which the Sultan delivered a titah highlighting that Brunei and Australia continue to share a close and excellent relationship, marked by mutual respect and understanding. Australia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei in 1984 and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership is timely with the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Brunei Darussalam and Australia in 2024. 

During a Meeting with Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, the Sultan and the PM discussed on bilateral matters of mutual importance to both countries including exploration in new areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity, climate change and food security. 

In Canberra, the Sultan also attended a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial; the State Welcoming Ceremony at Government House, Canberra; and a Dinner hosted by Prime Minister of Australia at The Lodge. 

Meanwhile in Melbourne, the Sultan attended a Luncheon hosted by Linda Dessau AC VCO, Governor of Victoria. During the Luncheon, the Sultan delivered a titah stating that the direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Melbourne have not only facilitated travel from Brunei Darussalam to Australia, but also instrumental to Brunei's food supply especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Sultanwas also appreciative to the Victoria State Government for welcoming Brunei students who are continuing their studies in Australia. 

Whilst in Melbourne, the Sultan attended the Get-Together Ceremony with Students as well as Citizens and Residents of Brunei Darussalam in Australia and New Zealand. The ceremony provided a golden opportunity to meet and greet His Majesty. 

The Sultan concluded the State Visit in Darwin with visits to the Royal Australian Air Force Base and Robertson Barracks, in which His Majesty had the opportunity to board the C-TWENTY SEVEN-J Spartan aircraft and then a toll helicopter, as well as viewed the Eurocopter Tiger Helicopter, and a static display of military equipment and system. 

To further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries,  the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam signed the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Commonwealth of Australia with Prime Minister of Australia, who represented the Government of Australia. The Joint Declaration formalises the elevation of bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia to a Comprehensive Partnership, which encompasses existing cooperation between both countries as well as new areas such as cybersecurity, food security and climate change.