MFA Press Statement: Visit of Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean to Negara Brunei Darussalam, 19 to 21 August 2013

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean, accompanied by Mrs Teo and a group of younger Singapore leaders, began his visit to Brunei Darussalam today (19 August 2013). This visit is intended to further strengthen the relations between the two countries, particularly between the younger generation of leaders.

DPM and the delegation had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Mrs Teo had a separate audience with Her Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha at Istana Nurul Iman.

The Sultan and DPM reaffirmed the strong and longstanding ties between Singapore and Brunei, with defence cooperation as a key pillar of our bilateral relationship. They welcomed efforts to expand our collaboration in newer areas such as youth engagement and health. DPM congratulated the Sultan on his Chairmanship of ASEAN and his efforts to maintain regional unity and cohesion, amidst a challenging international environment.

DPM and the delegation called on His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah. Crown Prince Billah and Princess Sarah also hosted the delegation to lunch.

Crown Prince Billah and DPM expressed satisfaction with the robust ties between Brunei and Singapore. DPM thanked Crown Prince Billah for his strong support in enhancing bilateral ties. They agreed that the strong historical and personal linkages, which form the bedrock of our bilateral relations, should be sustained into the next generation. The two leaders expressed support for more exchanges between the younger leaders of both countries. DPM invited Crown Prince Billah to make a return visit to Singapore.

Later that afternoon, DPM and the delegation visited the Nakhoda Ragam Vocational School, where they met Minister of Education Pehin Haji Abu Bakar Apong and other senior officials from the Brunei Ministry of Education. DPM received a briefing on Brunei’s efforts to strengthen its vocational and technical education system. DPM expressed support for Brunei’s efforts, and said that Singapore looked forward to enhancing our ties and sharing our experiences in the vocational and technical education sector.

Minister for Education Mr Heng Swee Keat and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development Mr Lee Yi Shyan also met Brunei Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of Brunei Economic Development Board Dato Paduka Haji Ali Apong. They discussed recent developments in Brunei’s economy as well as possibilities for greater private sector collaboration between both sides.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 AUGUST 2013