PM Wong thanks Brunei sultan for 40 years of diplomatic relations, commits to strengthen ‘special relationship’


The Singapore delegation had a royal audience with the sultan and his wife Queen Saleha at the Istana Nurul Iman, and was hosted to an official lunch by the Bruneian leader.

Mr Wong thanked the sultan for his longstanding support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training in Brunei, and expressed his appreciation for the deep and multifaceted cooperation between both armed forces.

He also reaffirmed the significance of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement which has bolstered bilateral financial and economic cooperation since it was established on Jun 12, 1967.

Co-chair of the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP) with Crown Prince Billah, Mr Wong said that Singapore looks forward to welcoming him and his wife for the 10th edition of the programme later this year.

Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of platforms like the YLP in deepening the close friendships between the younger leaders on both sides.

Mr Wong had also made an official visit to Brunei in January last year, a few months after becoming Deputy PM.

In January this year, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also chose Brunei as the destination of his first overseas state visit, saying it reflects the “special relationship” the two countries share.

TO MALAYSIA NEXT

Mr Wong travels to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday evening for his introductory visit to the country.

He will be hosted to lunch by his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia’s DPMs – Minister of Rural and Regional Development Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Fadillah Yusof – will also make separate calls on Mr Wong.

In Malaysia, Mr Wong will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Balakrishnan and Ms Rahayu.



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