Bandar Seri Begawan – In a significant diplomatic engagement, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, received His Excellency Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore, and his spouse, Madam Loo, at Qashr Al-Meezan. His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik was also present at the ceremony.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Excellency Lawrence Wong was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Her Excellency Indranee Thurai Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and several Senior Ministers of State. His Excellency Laurence Bay Siow Hon, the High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam, was also in attendance.
The visit coincides with the 9th Young Leaders' Programme, taking place from 12th to 14th December 2023, highlighting the continuing educational and leadership exchanges between the two nations.
Brunei's representation included prominent figures such as Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, among others.
During the Audience Ceremony, the Crown Prince and the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to the Young Leaders' Programme and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in defence, security, and civil service sectors. The discussion also acknowledged the growing diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, which will mark its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Following the ceremony, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, along with His Excellency and his spouse, joined the delegation for a luncheon, further symbolizing the close ties between the two countries.