Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his wife hosted a dinner for visiting Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his wife, Princess Pengiran Anak Sarah, on 13 September at Gardens by the Bay. PM Wong, who is also Minister for Finance, stated on Instagram that they reaffirmed their commitment to the special relationship between their countries, discussed existing and new areas of cooperation, and unveiled commemorative stamps for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Background
This is the first time PM Wong has hosted Crown Prince Billah in Singapore since being sworn in as prime minister in May 2024. Crown Prince Billah was in Singapore from 10 to 14 September for the 10th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, a platform fostering close personal ties between the next generation of leaders from both countries since 2013. Crown Prince Billah, 50, is first in line to succeed his father, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Strengthening bilateral ties
During his visit, Crown Prince Billah was also hosted to meals by President Tharman Thanmugaratnam, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. The leaders discussed developments in Singapore and Brunei, as well as various global and regional challenges. Crown Prince Billah reaffirmed the importance of the Singapore-Brunei relationship and both countries’ shared commitment to strengthening it for mutual benefit.
Commemorative stamps
The design for the commemorative stamps, jointly issued by Singapore Post and the Brunei Postal Services Department, was unveiled to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. PM Wong shared on Instagram: “His Royal Highness and I reaffirmed our commitment to the special relationship between our countries, discussed existing and new areas of cooperation, and unveiled commemorative stamps for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.”
Past and future engagements
PM Wong led a delegation to Brunei in December 2023 for the ninth edition of the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme when he was deputy prime minister. In Brunei, PM Wong, Mrs Wong, and the delegation were received by Crown Prince Billah and Princess Pengiran Anak Sarah, who hosted a Welcome Ceremony at the Brunei International Airport. The programme continues to be a significant platform for fostering bilateral relations and personal ties between the leaders of both nations.
