President Tharman Shanmugaratnam strengthens bilateral ties during his first overseas State Visit coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Singapore-Brunei diplomatic relations.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was on his first overseas State Visit to Negara Brunei Darussalam from 24th to 26th January 2024. President Tharman and Mrs Tharman were accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Negara Brunei Darussalam, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah to the Istana Nurul Iman, where they were received by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha for the Welcome Ceremony.
President Tharman and Mrs Tharman had a royal audience with the Sultan, and the Raja Isteri at the Istana Nurul Iman. This was followed by a bilateral meeting between President Tharman, the Sultan, and their delegations. President Tharman congratulated the Sultan on Brunei’s 40th anniversary of independence. Both leaders reaffirmed the longstanding special relationship between both countries. Noting the significance of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, President Tharman and the Sultan looked forward to a series of commemorative events to celebrate this milestone, and agreed to explore specific projects to continue deepening bilateral cooperation.
In the afternoon, President Tharman and Mrs Tharman had lunch with young Bruneian leaders from various sectors. President Tharman welcomed efforts to deepen linkages amongst our young leaders, especially in the areas of sustainable development and inclusivity. He also encouraged the younger generation of Bruneians and Singaporeans to develop personal relationships with each other. President Tharman and Mrs Tharman also visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel training in Brunei.
President Tharman and Mrs Tharman will be hosted to a State Banquet this evening at the Istana Nurul Iman by the Sultan and the Raja Isteri.
President Tharman met close to 400 members of the Singaporean community in Brunei at a reception. President Tharman, Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam and the delegation also had a welcome dinner with a few younger Bruneian ministers and their spouses
On 26 January 2024, President Tharman had a morning walk, a tree planting activity, and breakfast with the Sultan. President Tharman and Mrs Tharman visited the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Calligraphy and Arts Studies Centre in the afternoon before returning to Singapore.
Source – MFA
