James Kon
The close ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have deepened after the two countries faced the COVID-19 pandemic, working together to manage the outbreak, said Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education, and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman yesterday.
In an interview, Dr Mohamad Maliki said the two countries have continued to deepen the long-standing relationship throughout the pandemic. “During COVID-19, it was very tough.
Despite not being able to meet each other face to face, the relationship between Brunei and Singapore have strengthened even more,” he said.
“We worked together as good neighbours, two small countries facing similar challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our health ministers exchanged information on how to manage COVID-19 and we also exchanged vaccines to support each other’s vaccination drives.
The minister has been visiting the Sultanate for Hari Raya since 2016, though he was not able to do so at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being his first visit since the pandemic, he said “I am very happy to be back.
“It’s always wonderful to meet friends again. The warm hospitality of Bruneians speak volumes of the very special relationship that we have and I look forward to hosting them next year.”
The minister also met with the Singaporean students studying in Brunei and hope for more students exchanges in the future.
Yesterday, the Singaporean minister attended a Hari Raya open house hosted by the Singapore High Commission at the Tarindak d’Polo Restaurant in Jerudong.
He was accompanied by his spouse Sadiah Shahal, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law of Singapore Rahayu Mahzam, and member of Singapore Parliament Yip Hon Weng. Also in attendance was Singaporean High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Heng Aik Yeow.
