Mumbai, September 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day maiden visit to Brunei on September 3 and 4, 2024. The PM received a ceremonial welcome by the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, son of the Prime Minister and Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the significance of his visit to Brunei in his departure statement, as quoted by PM India, and said, "As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights." It is the first-ever bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, and both leaders are expected to engage in bilateral discussions concerning cooperation in defence, trade, investment and energy, among others. PM Narendra Modi Embarks on Visit to Brunei and Singapore, Expresses Confidence of Advancing India’s Historical Ties and Deepening Strategic Partnership.

Who is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah?

Crowned in 1967 after the voluntary abdication of his father and former Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th ruler of the country and also its Prime Minister following Brunei's independence from the UK in 1984. He is the eldest son of the former ruler. He is the world's longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state. Sultan Bolkiah made his first state visit to India in 1992 and again in 2008.

PM Narendra Modi Visits Brunei

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Education and Personal Life

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah began his education at the Istana Darul Hana Surau, which was the official residence of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. He then enlisted in the Cadet Corps at the Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur and was named the best recruit of 1961. He left the school with the rank of Lance Corporal. He later graduated from Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the same institution attended by the princes of British royalty.

In his personal life, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has keen interest in the sport of polo and played with King Charles III, the current monarch of England. He likes to play badminton and squash, too. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has five sons and seven daughters from his three wives.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Extravagant Lifestyle

The Sultan is known for his extravagant lifestyle, from living in the world's largest residential palace to owning an impressive fleet of aircraft and a grand car collection. His palace, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest residential palace, spanning over 2,00,000 square metres, with 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms and five swimming pools. It was completed in 1984 and is reportedly worth USD 1.4 billion. PM Modi Maharashtra Visit on August 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Lay Foundation Stone for Vadhvan Port in Palghar; Address Global FintechFest in Mumbai.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's aviation fleet includes a Boeing 747-400, a Boeing 767-200 and an Airbus A340-200. His Boeing 747-400, also known as his “Flying Palace”, is a lavishly decorated aircraft with gold and Lalique crystal work. His car collection, valued at over USD 5 billion, has around 7,000 vehicles, including 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, 380 Bentleys. It also includes a gold-coated Rolls-Royce and a Ferrari 456 GT Venice, one of only seven in the world.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2024 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).