WELCOMING REMARKS BY
H.E DATO PADUKA AWANG HAJI JEMAT BIN HAJI AMPAL
PERMANENT SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS
AT THE BIMP-EAGA TECHNICAL MEETING
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 

1^ST MARCH2008  

Bismillahir Rahman Nirrahim Assalam’ualaikum Warahamutullahi Wabarakatuh and a very good morning.

Mr Michael Emban,
Chairman of the BIMP-EAGA Sports Council

Haji Matassim bin Hj Jibah,
Director of Youth and Sports
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports 

Distinguished delegates from BIMP-EAGA member states

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

First of all, on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to all delegates  to Brunei Darussalam.  

The BIMP-EAGA Sports Council Meeting which was held in Makassar in November 2006 had chosen Brunei Darussalam to host the 6^th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games in 2008. It is indeed a great honour for Brunei Darussalam to host these games for the first time.

We are glad to note that the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games over the years have continues to foster close relations and goodwill among member states as well as participating athletes. This will no doubt continue and further enhanced in the future. 

As you know, part of today’s  technical meeting is to discuss the preparation of the  upcoming 6^th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games later this year. We hope and I am confident that all technical aspects involved in organising the event can be sorted out. We look forward to a positive outcome of your meeting. This afternoon, you will have a chance to visit our sporting facilities. I hope our facilities can meet all the necessary requirements for our athletes and officials come November. 

To prepare uf for the Games, a website has also been set up to provide useful information and to promote the sporting event. With the growing numbers of internet users globally, I hope this website can promote the BIMP-EAGA Games beyond our region.  

In conclusion, I wish all delegates a pleasant and enjoyable stay in Brunei Darussalam as well as a fruitful meeting ahead. We look forward to meeting you all again at the 6^th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games in November. 

Thank you 

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah
Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh