MFA Press Statement: 14th Singapore-Brunei Exchange Visit, 13-15 March 2009

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam on 13 March 2009 as the head of a Singapore delegation comprising Ministers and senior civil servants for the 14th Singapore-Brunei Exchange Visit (SBEV).

The Singapore delegation attended a welcome dinner hosted by Brunei Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Lim Jock Seng. On the afternoon of 14 March 2009, the Singapore Ministers and senior officials had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Royal Highness Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, several Ministers and senior officials were also present at the audience. Following the audience, senior officials met separately with their Brunei counterparts to discuss ways to enhance ties and improve bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on the current global economic situation.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding on Food, Agri-technology, Agriculture, Fisheries and Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of National Development of Singapore and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam. The Singapore delegation also enjoyed friendly games of golf and badminton with their Brunei counterparts. Later that evening, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah hosted the Singapore delegation to dinner to mark the end of the 14th SBEV.

The Singapore delegation will return to Singapore on Sunday.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 MARCH 2009