Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong visits Negara Brunei Darussalam for the 9th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, highlighting defense cooperation, bilateral relations, and shared visions for the future
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong is leading a Singaporean delegation on an official visit to Negara Brunei Darussalam for the 9th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme. The visit, from December 11 to 14, aims to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nations.
During the visit, DPM Wong witnessed the commissioning of KDB AL-FARUQ, the second ex-Fearless-class Patrol Vessel transferred from the Republic of Singapore Navy to the Royal Brunei Navy. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Muara Naval Base and officiated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, emphasizes the robust defense cooperation between Singapore and Brunei. This transfer reflects the enduring defense partnership, a key pillar of the special relationship between the two countries.
DPM Wong also delivered a special lecture at the Brunei Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting the strategic importance of the Singapore-Brunei relationship. Stressing the need for collaboration, he spoke about creating new economic opportunities, promoting sustainable development, and shaping a rules-based regional architecture. The visit underscores Singapore’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering continuous collaboration.
In his speech DPM Wong looked forward to building on the foundations of Singapore-Brunei’s “Special Relationship” by strengthening cooperation in four specific areas. He said, “Food security is one area where we are natural partners. Brunei has abundant land and natural resources, while Singapore imports almost all of our food. We already import seafood products from Brunei. Recently, we also accredited Brunei as a new source for eggs. There is scope to do more, including in areas like processed beef, poultry (or chicken), as well as agri-tech R&D. Such cooperation will bring about mutual benefits for both sides. It can enable Brunei to diversify its economy as part of its Brunei Vision 2035, and at the same time, provide Singapore with an additional reliable source of food imports.” The other areas include support for Green transition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050; working together at regional and global fora and continuation of more frequent and closer interaction to reinforce people-to-people ties.
The official delegation, including DPM Wong and Mrs. Wong, will engage in a morning walk and breakfast with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah at the Abode eco-resort in Temburong before returning to Singapore.
In a speech at the Young Leaders Programme, DPM Wong addressed the challenges in the current global landscape, emphasizing the need for small states like Brunei and Singapore to adapt and collaborate. He outlined four key areas for strengthening cooperation: resilience, green transition, regional and global influence, and people-to-people ties.
The visit reaffirms the close ties between Singapore and Brunei and sets the stage for further collaboration in various sectors.
Source – MFA
