Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong represented Singapore at Brunei’s 80th royal birthday celebrations, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is visiting Brunei Darussalam from 14 to 17 July 2026 as the Singapore Government’s representative at the 80th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The visit underscores the longstanding friendship and close bilateral partnership between Singapore and Brunei, while commemorating a significant milestone for the Bruneian monarch.
Senior Minister Lee is accompanied by Mrs Lee and Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming. As part of the official programme, he is attending the Royal Guard of Honour Parade and Investiture Ceremony on 15 July, followed by the Royal Banquet on 16 July. During the visit, Senior Minister Lee is also scheduled to have audiences with His Majesty the Sultan and members of the Bruneian Royal Family, meet Bruneian ministers, and visit Singapore Armed Forces personnel training in Brunei.
In conjunction with the celebrations, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong conveyed congratulatory messages to His Majesty, recognising his leadership and contributions to Singapore–Brunei relations.
In his letter, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated the Sultan on behalf of the people of Singapore and praised His Majesty’s leadership in guiding Brunei through decades of development and stability.
“Under Your Majesty’s wise and far-sighted leadership, Brunei has enjoyed decades of peace, stability, and progress.”
President Tharman also acknowledged the Sultan’s role in strengthening bilateral relations, describing Singapore’s partnership with Brunei as one that has reached “new heights” through His Majesty’s steadfast support.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the resilience of the bilateral relationship and recognised the Sultan’s stewardship since Brunei’s independence.
“Our strong bilateral defence and monetary cooperation have been a cornerstone of our robust relationship.”
He also noted the significance of commemorating the 50th anniversary of bilateral defence ties in 2026 and the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 2027, expressing confidence that cooperation would continue to deepen.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong reflected on the historical friendship between the leaders of both countries and reaffirmed the commitment of future generations to preserving that relationship.
“It has been my distinct privilege to partner Your Majesty in continuing that endeavour, and I am heartened that the next generation of leaders on both sides fully appreciate the significance of our important relationship and are committed to growing it into the future.”
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong expressed confidence that the close partnership would continue to flourish.
“Our countries remain firm friends today. In the years ahead, I am confident that Singapore and Brunei will continue to seek new pathways of cooperation for the betterment of our people.”
Source: MFA Singapore
