Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong hosted a dinner for Brunei’s Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah on Aug. 29 as part of the Crown Prince’s official visit to the city-state. The dinner, held at the S.E.A. Aquarium, took place during the 9th iteration of the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP).
The Young Leaders’ Programme is an annual exchange established in 2013 to strengthen the relationship between the two nations by providing a platform for the next generation of leaders to interact. Crown Prince Billah’s visit for the program runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, according to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
Prime Minister Wong and the Crown Prince were accompanied at the dinner by their spouses, Mrs. Loo Tze Lui and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah. Also in attendance were senior officials from both countries, including Singapore’s Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
According to the MFA statement, the leaders reaffirmed the “special and long-standing relationship” between Singapore and Brunei during their meeting. They discussed expanding cooperation in several sectors, including the green economy, food and medical supply security, education, and defense. The discussions also covered regional and international political developments.
The official visit includes a broader agenda for the Crown Prince and his delegation. Earlier on Aug. 29, the Crown Prince met with Foreign Minister Balakrishnan and was hosted to lunch by Senior Minister Teo. His itinerary also includes a visit to the Forward Assurance and Support Detachment at Changi Naval Base, a facility that supports the operational readiness of the Royal Brunei Navy’s vessels.
The bilateral relationship between Singapore and Brunei is multifaceted. A cornerstone of their economic ties is the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, signed in 1967, which allows for the currencies of both nations to be used at par in the other country. The Singapore Armed Forces also conduct training in Brunei, a practice that underscores the defense cooperation between the two governments.
The Young Leaders’ Programme serves as a key pillar in maintaining diplomatic continuity. It facilitates dialogues on governance and policy, allowing participants from both countries to exchange views and build personal ties.
