Sultan Hassanal will attend Timor-Leste’s 22nd restoration of independence celebration in a first for a Brunei monarch during his visit, which will begin on May 20.

“The presence of such a respected leader is a testament to the strong relationship between Timor-Leste and Brunei,” a Dili government spokesperson said.

Sultan Hassanal will make the short trip across the Banda Sea at the behest of the of the government, which is seeking better Southeast Asian relations for ASEAN cooperation.

During his time in Dili, the Sultan will join President Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao at the Presidential Palace for meetings.

Relations between Dili and Brunei have grown since cooperation around education and peer-to-peer exchanges blossomed.

Brunei has sought to open a labour mobility program, agreeing to a program to employ Timorese citizens on bilateral government work contracts. 

In Dili, the Sultan will be met by thousands of Timorese school students along the street, from his arrival at the airport to the Presidential Palace.

Brunei was one of the first nations to recognise Timor-Leste after it won its independence from Indonesia in 2002 through a long struggle.

The Independence Day celebrations on 20 May in Dili will include a parade, cultural performances, flag-raising ceremony and the bestowing of honours upon people who have contributed to the development of Timor-Leste.