Minister for Defence Reaffirms Close and Longstanding Defence Ties with Brunei

Mr Chan (left) meeting Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof (right) at the Ministry of Defence of Brunei.

Mr Chan inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence of Brunei.

Mr Chan called on Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, and inspected the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence of Brunei this afternoon. During the call, both Ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation between Singapore and Brunei. Both Ministers also reaffirmed our commitment to build strong people-to-people ties and noted the recent successful conclusion of the Singapore Brunei Junior Defence Interaction Programme (JDIP). On the multilateral front, both Ministers discussed our close cooperation at regional multilateral platforms, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. The two Ministers further noted the ongoing geopolitical developments and emphasized the need for Singapore and Brunei to work closely together.

Mr Chan’s visit to Brunei underscores the close and longstanding defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. Both defence establishments interact regularly through high level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and bilateral exercises. Such interactions have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the ties between the two countries. Singapore and Brunei will also be celebrating their 50th anniversary of defence relations in 2026.