His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab. Rahaman attended the Launching of the 'Abode of Peace & The Lion City: A Brunei - Singapore Exhibition' with His Excellency Teo Chee Hean, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for National Security and wife, Madam Chew Poh Yim.

Upon arrival at the Bangunan Galeri Seni, Bandar Seri Begawan Royal Wharf, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri as well as His Excellency and wife were greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Also present was Her Excellency Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth of the Republic of Singapore.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna binti Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

In her welcoming speech, Datin Paduka Doctor Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Chairman of the Brunei Museums Board among other matters said the exhibition aimed to celebrate the close friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore apart from commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Currency Interchangeability agreement between the two countries. The exhibition held in Bandar Seri Begawan is timely with the declaration of Bandar Seri Begawan as the ASEAN city for Culture 2016 until 2018. It showcases the historic ties between the two countries and bilateral relations as well as portrays the history and life of the people through stamps and philatelic materials, currency and coins, historical artifacts and interactive multimedia.

His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri, as well as His Excellency and wife launched the 'Abode of Peace & the Lion City: A Brunei - Singapore Exhibition'. The friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore have long been established since more than 50 years ago.

Also present were the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance; Minister of Development; Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; Minister of Communications; Minister of Health; Acting Minister of Education, Acting Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister's Office; Deputy ministers at the Prime Minister's Office; Deputy Minister of Defence; and Deputy Minister of Development.

The joint exhibition is a manifestation of the close friendly relations between the two countries, of which a similar exhibition was held in the Republic of Singapore last July, whereby the exhibition was officiated by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, in conjunction with His Majesty's State Visit to the Republic of Singapore.

The exhibition is not only timely with the Brunei-Singapore Young Leaders Programme, but also with the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders Exchange Programme, SBYLEP. Through the exhibition, SBYLEP participants can gain a better picture of the current relations between the two countries so that they can contribute in an innovative manner that can raise the both countries' relations to a higher level.

One of significant cooperation's in finance is the currency interchangeability agreement between the two countries that was signed since 1967. The cooperation allows the currency of both countries to be mutually accepted and continues to maintain it until today. Last July, His Majesty and His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the republic of Singapore officiated the launch of the of the New Commemorative Notes for the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore. The currency interchangeability agreement signifies the unique relations between the two countries. The success of the agreement contributes to macroeconomic stability and it is an appreciation of the close ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

The musical performance of the yIN Harmony group which is a collaboration of the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities portrays Singapore's harmony and diversity. The Republic of Singapore among others highlights the exhibition on the culture and tradition of Singapore's multi-racial society. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore and learn about community life, Singapore's diverse culture and the beauty of Singapore city through posters and photos.

The almost half a century of friendly relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore has been cultivated through exchange visits of ministers, government senior officers, the private sector, youths and the society in general. Cooperation was also established through interactions in the fields of economy, business and investment, defence and security, education, health, culture and sports.

After the launching ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses attended a Luncheon with the Deputy Minister of the Republic Singapore and wife. The luncheon at Restoran Tarindak D'seni Serambi Suluh was hosted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri proceeded for a group photo with His Excellency and wife as well as delegation upon arrival at the banquet hall. Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as members of the royal family.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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