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His Majesty lauds Brunei-Singapore trust, mutual respect

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivers a titah. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Half a century of defence cooperation has demonstrated what two small countries can achieve by building a relationship founded on trust, mutual respect and shared commitment. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said this in a titah during the Grand Finale Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Brunei Darussalam-Republic of Singapore Defence Relations at the Royal Brunei Navy Base in Muara on Saturday.

The presence of Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong and his delegation at the ceremony reflects not only the special and close defence ties between the two countries, but also the strong friendship and trust that have been built over many years, His Majesty said.

Welcoming the Prime Minister of Singapore and his delegation to Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty noted that their presence is greatly appreciated and adds significance to this historic celebration.

Indeed, the good relations between the two countries were established during the reign of His Majesty’s late father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, and Singapore’s Head of State at the time, the late President Yusof Ishak, as well as its late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1960, when both countries faced geopolitical challenges that shaped their respective paths towards independence.

Through these shared experiences, the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore grew increasingly close and special, and it has endured to this day.

In July 1975, Brunei Darussalam, for the first time, sent two officer cadets to undergo training at the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI) and on October 9, 1976, exactly 50 years ago, the defence relationship between the two countries reached an important milestone when His Majesty consented to the use of training areas in the Temburong District by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Since then, professional military education and training, as well as bilateral exercises between the armed forces of both countries, have continued to develop, enhancing competence, professionalism and cooperation at all levels. “When Brunei Darussalam achieved full independence in 1984, our relationship, forged in trust, was further strengthened through the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

Throughout the past five decades, His Majesty noted that he has witnessed how successive generations of leaders from both countries have played an important role in fostering and strengthening this special relationship.

 “As we move forward beyond this Golden Jubilee, we will need capable future generations to deepen trust, strengthen professional cooperation and enhance our ability to act together, particularly in confronting an increasingly complex security environment.”

In this way, the defence relationship contributes not only to the security and resilience of both countries, but also to regional and international peace and stability, His Majesty added. On this historic occasion marking the Golden Jubilee, His Majesty expressed appreciation to the previous generations of leaders from both countries as through their vision, perseverance and contributions, they established a meaningful and beneficial defence relationship that continues to thrive today.

His Majesty also expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister of Singapore, Coordinating Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Defence of Singapore Chan Chun Sing and everyone present.

“Your presence and commitment to this Golden Jubilee celebration reflect our shared determination to preserve the friendship, trust and defence cooperation that have been built over the past five decades.”

His Majesty also extended congratulations and best wishes for continued success to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces on the occasion of this Golden Jubilee and expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the commemorative events marking this historic milestone a success. “I pray and sincerely hope that the friendship firmly established over the past 50 years will continue to be cherished and strengthened by present and future generations. Insya Allah, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces will remain united and committed to promoting peace, security and stability, both regionally and globally.”

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohamad

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