His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam lauded the long-standing bilateral ties with Singapore and the continued cooperation between Brunei and Singapore for the past 40 years.
In a titah at the recent state banquet hosted for the state visit of the newly elected Singapore President Harman Shanmugaratnam and spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, the monarch recalled the deep-rooted ties that predate formal diplomatic relations established four decades ago between both countries.
“It began with the close friendship in the 60s between my late father, Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, and the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. I treasure their warm and candid exchanges on regional challenges and many major power competitions at that time,” said His Majesty.
The sultan also said that the enduring friendship and a shared vision for the two small Southeast Asian states to work together have led to solid cooperation in currency interchangeability and excellent defence ties that we continue to enjoy today.
The monarch expressed content with the younger generation of leaders to also nurture the special friendship while at the same time delighted with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recent lead in the Singaporean delegation for the Young Leaders Programme, which marked its 10th establishment this year.
“The programme is an important foundation for ensuring the strong and close personal relationships between our officials that will endure well into the future,” added the sultan.
His Majesty also congratulated the appointment of Harman Shanmugaratnam as the ninth president of Singapore and is confident that his leadership will continue ‘Singapore’s Success Story’ in leading the country’s multicultural society towards more outstanding excellence and innovation in the coming years.
“This year we will be celebrating 40 years of diplomatic friendship. As we reflect on our shared achievements over those years and look toward the future, it is important for us to continue working together to safeguard our common aspirations and interests,” said His Majesty.
The monarch was also pleased with our mutual commitment to further deepen trade linkages in food, medical products, and energy. In addition, we have also continued to nurture more robust people-to-people exchange programmes that will further strengthen the affinity shared between our people,” he said.
Beyond our bilateral ties, added the sultan, Brunei Darussalam has always valued the cooperation and support Singapore has given, especially as the nations work toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and in promoting regional peace and prosperity.
“Our journey during the past 40 years is indeed an occasion for us to celebrate. Brunei Darussalam looks forward to continuing these special and unique ties with Singapore in the years ahead,” concluded His Majesty.
His Majesty the Sultan and Her Majesty the Duli Raja Isteri wished the president and his spouse continued good health and happiness and for the people of Singapore’s progress and prosperity.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
