MFA Press Statement: Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam, 1 to 5 September 2014

                   His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam concluded his five-day visit to Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP).

                   On 3 September 2014, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean accompanied His Royal Highness on a morning walk at the Southern Ridges.  During the walk, His Royal Highness planted a Tualang sapling at Telok Blangah Hill Park, signifying the shared commitment to nurturing strong relations between the young leaders of both countries.

                   Later that day, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, accompanied by their children, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Muntaqim and Her Royal Highness Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, visited Henry Park Primary School.  The visit was hosted by Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat.  After a briefing on the school, Their Royal Highnesses toured the school, during which they observed a gymnastics training session, a Readers Theatre performance, and a computer animation lesson.  Minister Heng and His Royal Highness had a fruitful exchange of views on primary education, and affirmed the value of continued bilateral cooperation in education. 

                   On 4 September 2014, Their Royal Highnesses were hosted to dinner by DPM Teo and Mrs Teo.  DPM Teo said, “We are delighted to host Their Royal Highnesses in Singapore for the second Young Leaders’ Programme visit.  The annual exchange visits help leaders from both countries get to know one another better, and are useful for keeping us updated on developments in both countries. I look forward to visiting Brunei Darussalam with my colleagues next year for the third YLP visit.” 

                   On 5 September 2014, as part of the National Development component of the YLP visit, His Royal Highness visited the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Sports Hub, accompanied by Minister of State for National Development and Defence Maliki Osman as the Minister-in-Attendance.  Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong hosted a briefing for His Royal Highness on the Sports Hub and on Singapore’s preparations for the SEA Games.  His Royal Highness, who is Chairman of Brunei’s 10th National Development Plan Committee, was also hosted by Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee to a briefing on Singapore’s latest development plans, including the Master Plan 2014 and the Greater Southern Waterfront.

                   The YLP is a key platform for building relationships and exchanging views between Singaporean and Bruneian young leaders.  This will help sustain the close ties between leaders from both countries into the next generation. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

5 SEPTEMBER 2014