His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday attended an afternoon tea hosted by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and spouse Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam. The ceremony was held at Istana Villa in Singapore.
Their Royal Highnesses first signed the visitor’s book and then proceeded to the Press Room and were welcomed by the president and spouse upon arrival. Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by the president and spouse, then proceeded to the Delegation Room for afternoon tea.
His Royal Highness then proceeded to hold a courtesy call with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Upon arrival at the Press Room, His Royal Highness was greeted by the prime minister before proceeding to the Delegation Room for the courtesy call. During the courtesy call, His Royal Highness and the prime minister exchanged views and discussed the bilateral relationship that has been established for 40 years, and at the same time, 2024 marks the 10th year of the Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP). His Royal Highness also expressed appreciation to the prime minister for his continued support and commitment to YLP. YLP plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening the bridges of friendship and understanding, based on mutual respect and trust.
His Royal Highness and the prime minister then proceeded to unveil the commemorative stamps in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
The commemorative stamps are a collaborative effort between the Brunei Postal Services Department and Singapore Post, featuring designs from the Sultanate and Singapore. The Brunei stamp depicts the ficus elastica tree which was jointly planted by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas during the president’s state visit to the Sultanate in January. The Singapore stamp features the dendrobium Hassanal Saleha, named in honour of the state visit of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam to Singapore in August 2022.
