Yang Mulia Captain (Ret) Zil Husam Haji Abdul Rahman, 

Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam,

Representatives from the International Maritime Organization, 

International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, 

Protection and Indemnity Club, 

Distinguished participants from across the Asia-Pacific region,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Assalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh 

Salam Sejahtera and a Very Good Morning

1. On behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it is my privilege to warmly welcome all of you to this Regional Workshop on the IMO Civil Liability and Compensation Regime. We are especially honored to host this event, the first of its kind in Brunei Darussalam under this important International Maritime Organization (IMO) framework.

2. This Workshop is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. As such, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Malaysia for their partnership, as well as to the IMO for their unwavering support in advancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. I also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club for their invaluable contributions, which have played a pivotal role in making this initiative to fruition.

3. This five-day workshop holds special significance as it highlights our collective commitment to addressing critical maritime issues, particularly those concerning liability and compensation. By ensuring accountability and adequate compensation in maritime incidents, the integration of relevant IMO Conventions into national legislation strengthens legal frameworks, promoting a safe, environmentally sustainable and harmonized maritime operation globally. It also reflects Brunei Darussalam’s dedication to fostering international partnerships and advancing maritime governance, aligning with the nation’s aspiration to achieve sustainable development. 

4. The participation of over 30 representatives from member states across the Asia-Pacific region exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing the objectives of the IMO. Such diversity not only strengthens maritime governance but also enriches discussions with a wealth of perspectives and expertise. Today’s Workshop is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening Brunei Darussalam's capacity and readiness for maritime emergencies. It also serves as a driving force for enhanced international and regional collaboration to promote the integration of best practices. 

5. I would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the IMO for championing inclusivity, particularly through initiatives that encourage women’s participation in technical cooperation activities. I hope to see more women taking on leadership roles and actively contributing to the advancement of the maritime sector.

6. As we move forward, I encourage all participants to fully engage in the sessions ahead, and may the outcomes of this workshop serve as a catalyst for progress and innovation in our respective nations and across the region.

7. I wish you all a highly productive and insightful week, and I trust you will also enjoy the warm hospitality and unique cultural charm of Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you.

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