MFA Press Statement: State Visit of President Tony Tan Keng Yam to Negara Brunei Darussalam, 28 to 30 May 2013

President Tony Tan Keng Yam is on the second day of his State Visit to Brunei. He began the day with a visit to the Muara Naval Base where he received a briefing on Brunei’s defence capabilities and toured the KDB Darussalam, an Offshore Patrol Vessel. President Tan praised the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for its high operational readiness and professionalism. He also expressed satisfaction with the close defence partnership between Brunei and Singapore and welcomed efforts to further strengthen these ties.

Over lunch, President Tan met Bruneian Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials who had attended Singapore schools, institutions of higher learning, and training programmes. President observed that the personal relationships that they had forged during their time in Singapore helped to underpin our strong bilateral relations.

President Tan received a call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah. They spoke of the close historical ties between Brunei and Singapore, and agreed on the need to build on this solid foundation for the future.

In the afternoon, President Tan visited the Brunei Youth Centre (Pusat Belia). He was briefed on Brunei’s youth policies and initiatives, and viewed an exhibition by Brunei youth associations, as well as a performance by former Brunei National Service (PKBN) trainees.

President Tan welcomed efforts to strengthen youth collaboration. In this regard, he lauded the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Singapore-based NGO Mercy Relief. The MoC will provide UBD students with internships and on-the-job training with Mercy Relief. This includes cooperating with Mercy Relief to provide assistance to disadvantaged communities in the ASEAN region.

Separately, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Botanical Survey of Brunei Darussalam was signed between the National Parks Board and Brunei’s Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The MoU will allow both sides to work together to catalogue Brunei’s rich biodiversity. The MoU also reflects both countries’ commitment to explore new areas of cooperation.

This evening, President Tan will attend a dinner reception for the Singapore Community in Brunei, hosted by High Commissioner in Brunei Mr Jaya Ratnam at the Empire Hotel.

Tomorrow, President Tan will visit SAF personnel and families based in Brunei before returning to Singapore.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
29 MAY 2013