THE Russian Federation officially opened its embassy for the first time in Brunei Darussalam with the hoisting of the Russian flag at the embassy’s temporary offices at the Holiday Lodge hotel in Jerudong yesterday.
Before the flag was hoisted, Russian Ambassador to Brunei Victor Seleznez announced to the small crowd assembled for the occasion that the embassy began its official diplomatic functions on March 3, when His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam accepted the ambassador’s Letters of Credence at Istana Nurul Iman.
“With the diplomatic mission’s efforts, along with the help of our friends in Brunei, existing interaction between the two countries will be further promoted through a more developed cooperation based on principles of equality and mutual benefits,” he said.
“Both our states have promising perspectives of synergetic development in politics and economy, investments and communications, science and technology, education and culture, arts and sports,” said the ambassador.
“The materialisation of these potentials will be strongly enhanced through mutual understanding and respect that our state leaders are showing to each other.” he added.
Russia hoists flag at its Brunei embassy. Picture: BT/Rudolf Portillo
Before the embassy was ratified last month, Brunei’s relations with the Russian Federation were directed through the federation’s diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur.
The new embassy is currently staffed by three diplomats and nine officials. As for its permanent location, the embassy’s Chief of Protocol Section, Olga Golovko, said they were still looking for suitable locations.
Golovko said that although the embassy will soon issue passports and visas, the service was not yet offered as the equipment needed to issue the documents had yet to arrive.
“The priority at the moment is to find a location for the embassy. We will start offering services for the public after settling down in a permanent location,” she said.
Golovko added that, in the near future, among the services offered in the embassy will be courses to study Russian language.
“Learning (Russian) will make it easier for those travelling to Russia to understand and adapt to the environment,” she said.
The embassy can be contacted by calling 2611618 during office hours. Ummi Othman The Brunei Times
Latest by Ummi Othman:
- Family of five embraces Islam
- Muib offers aid to Tutong fire victims
- College runs first student-funded magazine
- YSHHB donates $32,150
- NCB warns students of online drug syndicates
