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Singapore and Brunei Reaffirm Close and Long-Standing Defence Relations
21 March 2023
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Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (right) had a meeting with Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) after the commissioning ceremony of KDB AS-SIDDIQ.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited Brunei Darussalam from 20 to 21 March 2023 on an official visit. Dr Ng met the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah this afternoon. During the meeting, His Majesty and Dr Ng reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence ties between both countries.
Prior to the engagement, His Majesty officiated the commissioning ceremony of KDB AS-SIDDIQ. The ceremony was witnessed by Dr Ng and attended by senior officials from both countries. KDB AS-SIDDIQ is an ex-Fearless class Patrol Vessel (PV) from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) that was transferred to the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) last week.
Dr Ng also had a meeting with Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (MG) (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof. The two ministers discussed regional security issues and affirmed the importance of bilateral exchanges and close cooperation between both defence establishments.
Dr Ng's visit underscores the strong defence cooperation between both countries. Both countries also cooperate on regional multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces also interact regularly and deepen their mutual understanding and cooperation through bilateral exercises, cross attendance of courses, professional exchanges and visits.
His Majesty (middle) officiated the commissioning ceremony of KDB AS-SIDDIQ, with Dr Ng (second from left), Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam and Minister of Defence II Pehin MG (Rtd) Halbi (third from left), and senior defence officials from both countries in attendance.
As part of his visit, Dr Ng (left) also had a meeting with Pehin MG (Rtd) Halbi (right).