San Francisco - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, emphasized the importance of stability, security, and prosperity for the Asia-Pacific region at the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch with Guest Economies. His Majesty highlighted the challenges posed by escalating geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and their impact on economic prosperity and stability.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the participation of APEC Economies in multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN, G20, Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Alliance is vital. These frameworks are instrumental in promoting cooperation and advancing a future that is inclusive, resilient, peaceful, and sustainable. His Majesty underlined the need for APEC to strengthen partnerships with similar organizations and to collaborate in addressing global challenges, including climate change.
His Majesty made these remarks at the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch with Guest Economies, held at Moscone Center, San Francisco, United States. The dialogue, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, focused on sustainability, climate, and just energy transitions. His Majesty was received by Mr. Ethan Rosenzwieg, Acting Chief of Protocol, United States' State Department.
The session began with opening remarks from His Excellency Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States and APEC Chairman. Reflecting on the first APEC Leaders' Meeting held on Blake Island thirty years ago, His Majesty reiterated the commitment to achieving stability, security, and prosperity in the region.
Additionally, His Majesty attended the Second Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders' Meeting, which began with a speech by the President of the United States. The meeting marked the progress since the IPEF's launch in May 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. The IPEF Leaders noted the signing of an agreement on Supply Chain Agreement, and substantial conclusions on Clean Economy Agreement and Fair Economy Agreement in San Francisco. They also launched the IPEF Critical Minerals Dialogue to strengthen critical mineral supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region and to enhance economic competitiveness. Further, the establishment of a Ministerial-level IPEF Council was announced to deepen shared interests in addressing critical economic issues and advance economic integration.