The Diplomatic Corps Bids Farewell To Outgoing Envoys

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Bandar Seri Begawan – The Diplomatic Corps in Brunei Darussalam yesterday hosted a farewell to Mr Mark Douglas Sawers, the High Commissioner of Australia and Dr Bernd Morast, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, who will be concluding their mission in Brunei Darussalam next month, reports Borneo Bulletin.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Mohamad JA Hashim who is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in his speech said, “On behalf of all my colleagues, we will experience a void after your departure.”

He added, “With all our hearts, we hope that your future will be never-ending golden days for you. For your families and dear ones, may success awaits you.”

Mr Mohamad JA Hashim also said, “I am confident that someday and somewhere, our paths will cross and we will meet again. I assure you that the warm friendship and memories that we have been able to share together will always be remembered.”

Mr Mark Douglas Sawers, the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia in his farewell remark said, “Three and a half years in Brunei – it’s often with mixed feeling that people move on. I had an excellent time in Brunei and it’s been a great place to serve. I am very grateful for the bond that we have created with the Brunei Government as well as the ministers and His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.” He added, “I always felt that there is a very strong sense of warmth in the relationship between Brunei and Australia.” The outgoing High Commissioner of Australia conveyed his gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps for the event.

Meanwhile, Dr Bernd Morast, the outgoing Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in his remark said, “Looking back at the 24 years in diplomatic services, it’s been a great privilege to spend a year in Brunei coming to my retirement.”

Highlighting the EU-Asean hosted in Brunei recently, he said that he would remember the many talks and friendship forged during his stay in Brunei. During retirement, he said, “I would continue my research on economic development and write memoirs on the many countries that I have stayed in.” Dr Bernd Morast then concluded with “Auf wiedersehen” which means “farewell until we meet again”.