The Singapore delegation recently had an audience with the Sultan of Brunei and his wife, Queen Saleha, at the Istana Nurul Iman, where they were also hosted to an official lunch by the Bruneian leader. During the meeting, Mr. Wong expressed gratitude to the Sultan for his longstanding support of the Singapore Armed Forces’ training in Brunei, and highlighted the deep cooperation between both armed forces. He also emphasized the importance of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, which has strengthened bilateral financial and economic cooperation since its establishment in 1967.
As the co-chair of the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP) with Crown Prince Billah, Mr. Wong discussed the upcoming 10th edition of the programme, expressing eagerness to welcome the Crown Prince and his wife. Both leaders reiterated the significance of platforms like the YLP in fostering strong relationships among younger leaders from both countries. Mr. Wong had previously visited Brunei in January last year, shortly after becoming Deputy Prime Minister, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also chose Brunei for his first overseas state visit this year, emphasizing the special relationship between the two nations.
Following the visit to Brunei, Mr. Wong is scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for his introductory visit. During his time in Malaysia, he is set to have a lunch meeting with his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, and separate calls with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Ministers, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof. Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Balakrishnan, and Ms. Rahayu, Mr. Wong is expected to further strengthen the ties between Singapore and Malaysia during his visit.
The visit to Brunei and Malaysia underscores the importance that Singapore places on its relationships with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The discussions between Mr. Wong and leaders from both nations demonstrate a commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas, including defense, finance, and leadership development. The exchanges between Singapore and Brunei, as well as Malaysia, showcase the diplomatic efforts to foster goodwill and deepen mutual understanding among nations in the region.
As Mr. Wong continues his diplomatic engagements in Malaysia, the focus remains on building strong partnerships with neighboring countries that share historical ties and common interests. The relationships between Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia are rooted in shared values and mutual respect, and efforts to enhance cooperation through official visits and exchanges further strengthen these ties. The visits to Brunei and Malaysia serve as opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and the promotion of regional stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
