Singapore President Visits Muara Naval Base

Bandar Seri Begawan - Visiting Singapore President, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, yesterday paid a visit to the main headquarters of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) at the Muara Naval Base to witness first-hand some of the capabilities of the navy's assets.

A statement from the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the President praised the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) for its operational readiness and professionalism and expressed satisfaction with the close defence partnership between Brunei and Singapore. He also welcomed efforts to further strengthen these ties.

Upon arrival, the President was greeted by Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Deputy Minister of Defence; Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Commander of the RBAF and First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.

The President's arrival was welcomed by a guard of honour mounted by personnel of the RBN. He was accompanied by top officials and a few members of the Singaporean Parliament.

The Commander of the RBAF in his opening remarks pointed out the evidence of strong bilateral relations between Brunei and Singapore.

In a briefing, the Commander of the RBN remarked on the rapid development that the RBN has experienced in recent years. He also highlighted the never ending cooperation that exists between the RBN and the Republic of Singapore Navy, emphasising the strong bilateral ties between both countries.

The President later toured the RBN's fleet, the KDB Darussalam, RBN's class patrol vessel. He also signed a guest book to commemorate his visit and received a token of appreciation from the Commander of the RBAF.

Before leaving, the President also took a group photograph at the KDB Darussalam.

According to a press statement from the RBAF, the visit has reaffirmed strong ties between Singapore and Brunei 'especially in an uncertain and rapidly changing world where the depth and strength of the bilateral relations remain an anchor'.