His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, The President of the Republic of Singapore arrived at the Muara Naval Base. His Excellency is in Brunei for a three-day state visit at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam.
He was greeted by the Brunei Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and also the Commander of Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah.
Upon arrival, His Excellency was accorded with the Guard of Honor exhibited by personnel of the Royal Brunei Navy.
The Commander of the RBAF, in his opening remarks pointed out the evidence of the strong bilateral relations between Brunei and Singapore.
His Excellency, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, accompanied by top officials and members of the Parliament was also given a brief about the rapid development that the Royal Brunei Navy has experienced in recent years by the Commander of the RBN. He also highlighted the fruitful cooperation that exists between the Royal Brunei Navy and Republic Singapore Navy, built on strong bilateral ties between the countries. The Royal Brunei Navy, known for its fleet, also had the honour to give a tour to His Excellency at one of the Darussalam class Patrol Vessels, KDB Darussalam.
This visit has reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Brunei, especially in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.
This is his first State visit to Brunei since becoming President in 2011. Singapore and Brunei are more than just partners with good relations as it is believed that both countries share similar views and interests. Both countries have unique arrangements from extensive defence relations to the currency interchangeability agreement.
[mappress] Press Release, May 31, 2013; Image: Brunei MoD