The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) are conducting a bilateral exercise, code-named Exercise Pelican, from 21 to 25 Jun 2010. Hosted by the RSN, this year's exercise marks the 30th in the series of joint exercises between the two navies. Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong and Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, Yang Mulia Colonel (COL) Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, officiated at the opening ceremony of the exercise at Changi Naval Base this afternoon.

Speaking at a dinner to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Exercise Pelican, RADM Chew said, "The RSN values the excellent defence ties it shares with the RBN. This year not only marks the 30th anniversary of Exercise Pelican, but also signifies a milestone in the defence ties, friendship and camaraderie between the two navies". RADM Chew also thanked the RBN for its strong support and participation in multi-lateral exercises hosted by the RSN, such as the Western Pacific Naval Symposium and the Multilateral Maritime Info-Sharing Exercise. Commenting on the RBN’s ties with the RSN, COL Haji Abdul Halim said, "The warm and friendly defence relations between the two navies reaffirm the commitment of both nations towards strengthening defence cooperation for peace and stability in the region." He added, "We highly value the long-standing and excellent cooperation between the two navies, and look forward to maintaining and expanding traditions of trusted and mutually advantageous cooperation between the Republic of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam."

Since the first exercise in 1979, personnel from both navies have been working together through the development of joint operational doctrines and naval tactics. For this year's exercise, personnel from two RSN ships, RSS Formidable and RSS Vigour, and two RBN ships, KDB Waspada and KDB Seteria, will conduct a series of discussions and training exercises in naval warfare such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and maritime-air operations.

COL Haji Abdul Halim, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit from 21 to 23 Jun 2010, will call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Chief of Defence Force Major-General Neo Kian Hong and meet RADM Chew at the Ministry of Defence on 22 Jun 2010.