On the evening of November 20, 2011, visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended a welcoming banquet hosted by Bruneian Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the palace.

Addressing the welcoming banquet, Wen thanked for Sultan Hassanal's warm invitation and hospitality and expressed his heart-felt congratulations on the achievements made by the Bruneian people in their nation's development. China and Brunei share a long history of friendship, said Wen. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991, both sides have expanded cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and pushing forward regional stability and prosperity, he added. China-Brunei relations are at a new historical starting point. The Chinese premier called for joint efforts from both sides to carry on their traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation and strive for a better future for China-Brunei relations.

For his part, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said Brunei is proud to be China's friend and exchanges between the two countries can be dated back to over 1,000 years ago. In the past two decades, peoples of the two countries have further enhanced their mutual understanding and made fruitful achievements in bilateral cooperation, he noted. Hassanal Bolkiah said Brunei would like to join hands with China to develop and expand their traditional friendship, learn from each other, deepen cooperation and seek common development.

The Chinese premier also held talks with Sultan Hassanal and other members of Brunei's royal family before the banquet.