Brunei Deputy Defence Minister Visits Singapore for 40th Anniversary of Bilateral Defence Ties

Brunei's Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Mulia First Admiral (FADM) (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohammad Tamit is in Singapore from 8 to 11 November 2016, as part of Singapore and Brunei's efforts to commemorate the 40th anniversary of bilateral defence ties this year. FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz's visit follows shortly from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen's visit to Brunei earlier in August for the same purpose.

FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz called on Dr Ng and inspected a Guard of Honour earlier this morning at MINDEF. Dr Ng then hosted FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz to an official lunch. During the call and lunch, both parties reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Brunei. Prior to the lunch, FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz visited the Cyber Security Agency and later this afternoon, he will visit the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Integrated Complex.

As part of his visit, FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz was also hosted by Chief of Staff - General Staff Brigadier-General Desmond Tan at the Murai Urban Training Facility on 9 November 2016, where he observed officer cadets from both the Officer Cadet Schools (OCS) of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) undergoing urban operations (UO) training together. FADM (Rtd) Dato Aziz also received a briefing by Commander OCS Colonel (COL) Kenny Tay and interacted with both the RBAF and SAF cadets. On 11 November 2016, he will visit the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s 126 Squadron, as well as the ongoing Exercise Maju Bersama between the Singapore Army and the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF). The visits will be hosted by Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Mervyn Tan and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Perry Lim respectively.

Singapore and Brunei have enjoyed a close defence relationship since 1976. This long-standing defence relationship has deepened over the years as the interactions between the SAF and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces grew in scope and complexity. Both armed forces interact regularly through a wide range of activities, such as bilateral exercises like Exercise Maju Bersama, regular visits, and professional exchanges.