Brunei is Singapore's special and most trusted partner: PM Wong

He says both nations are firmly committed to extending cooperation into new areas

- Tham Yuen-C

Singapore and Brunei have stood by each other over the decades, and will continue to be natural partners as two small countries navigating an increasingly dangerous and turbulent world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on June 11.

Affirming the special relationship between both sides, he said the close neighbours are firmly committed to extending cooperation into new areas as they mark 40 years of diplomatic ties this year.

These include fields under sustainability such as carbon markets and renewable energy, as well as urban planning, the digital economy and food security, PM Wong said in a toast speech at a lunch hosted by Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

PM Wong, who is on his first overseas trip since he took office in May, arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan in the morning with his wife, Ms Loo Tze Lui. He was received by Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Al-Muhtadee Billah and his wife, Princess Pengiran Anak Sarah.

He then had an audience with Sultan Bolkiah and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, before the royal couple hosted him and his delegation to an official lunch at the Istana Nurul Iman.