The visit programme of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, began on the 22 January 2013 with a visit to the Brunei Museum.
Present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the crown prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab-Rahaman.
The arrival of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and delegation at the Brunei Museum was welcomed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair.
Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and delegation visited the Borneo Culture Exhibition in the Brunei and The Netherlands Collection. The exhibition is opened to the public for two weeks following the Her Majesty Queen Beatrix's state visit to the Brunei Museum. The exhibition is a product from the cooperation between the Brunei Museums Department and Tropen-museum, Royal Tropical Institute, the Netherlands. With Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, were His Royal Highness Prince Williem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima. Among the collection of items exhibited are rare books, old maps and items related to Brunei Darussalam and The Netherlands, especially on the Borneo Culture in 1870 to 1940.
A memorandum of understanding in the field of culture was signed between the Brunei Museums Department and Tropen-museum, The Royal Tropical Insitute, the Netherlands. Present to witness the signing ceremony were Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, His Royal Highness Prince of Orange and Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.
Signing on behalf of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was the Director of the Museums Department, Awang Bantong Antaran, while the government of The Netherlands was represented by the Director of Tropen-museum, Peter Verdasdoonk. In the long term, the MoU will strengthen relations in promoting and upholding cooperation in the area of museums, archives and history based on equality and mutual benefits for both parties through the exchange of views and experts.
News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei