Singaporean High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
He said this during the gala dinner yesterday evening at The Empire Brunei to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
Organised by the Singapore High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, the event was attended by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha.
Also present were deputy ministers as well as senior officials from Brunei’s government, private sector representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.
The gala dinner represented the culmination of a significant milestone marked by numerous high-level exchanges between the leaders and senior government officials of both countries, as well as, several commemorative events, such as the launch of an official anniversary logo in June and a set of commemorative stamps in September.
Singaporean high commissioner also encouraged both countries to foster greater collaboration in the coming years for the mutual benefit of Bruneians, Singaporeans, and fellow ASEAN neighbours.
One of the highlights of the evening was a specially recorded video message by Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman.
Speaking in both English and Malay, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osmanhighlighted the special and unique relationship between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam reflecting mutual trust, respect, and confidence that both nations enjoy at all levels.
He also paid tribute to the immense contributions of 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, in advancing the bilateral relationship throughout the years.
On a personal note, he expressed, “Brunei is a country close to my heart. It is a place my wife and I visit on almost yearly basis especially during Hari Raya.
“I am always touched and humbled by the genuine warmth, hospitality and kindness extended to us whenever we are in Brunei,” he added.
Concluding his speech, he shared, “Let us also look to the future with renewed hope and confidence. There is much that we can do together. Let’s take the Singapore-Brunei relationship to even greater heights.”
Guests at the gala dinner were treated to special musical performances by Bruneian quartet Expression Music Academy and a quartet from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, performing in Brunei for the very first time. – James Kon
