Singapore and Brunei Strengthen Defence Relations Through 6th Defence Policy Dialogue

Permanent Secretary of the Bruneian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Captain (CAPT) (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abd Rahman Bakar bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, who is visiting Singapore from 31 October to 3 November 2017, co-chaired the 6th Singapore-Brunei Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit at Temasek Club today.

Inaugurated in 2009, the DPD serves as a regular forum for Singapore and Brunei to oversee and advance the bilateral defence relationship, as well as explore new areas of defence cooperation. The DPD also allows both countries to exchange views on security issues of mutual interest.

During the DPD, both sides shared on how the two militaries are responding to the changing regional security environment, and welcomed further cooperation on the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting as Singapore assumes chairmanship in 2018. Mr Chan and CAPT (Rtd) Dato Rahman also reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

As part of his visit, CAPT (Rtd) Dato Rahman will call on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and visit 194 Squadron at RSS Singapura -- Changi Naval Base tomorrow.

CAPT (Rtd) Dato Rahman's visit reaffirms the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Brunei. Besides the DPD, the two countries also interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges and military courses.