HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, paid homage to Singapore’s 50 years of achievements that have set an “exemplary benchmark” in governance in the region and beyond. The monarch, who left for Singapore yesterday to attend the city-state’s Golden Jubilee parade, said the republic’s prosperity and stability continue to inspire others. In his congratulatory message to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, His Majesty said Singapore’s achievements over the five decades showcase what transformative, visionary leaders and determined people can accomplish together.
The Sultan added that bilateral ties continue to grow close, fostered over many years through personal friendships at all levels and excellent cooperation between the two governments. Brunei and Singapore established diplomatic relations in January 1984. The two countries cooperate extensively in defence, finance, trade and investment, tourism, health and education. Both countries signed the Currency Interchangeability Agreement 48 years ago.
The monarch said he looked forward to continuing to work together with the premier to further deepen longstanding and much-valued ties. His Majesty also sent a congratulatory message to President Dr Tan Keng Yam, stating that the people of Brunei joined him in celebrating Singapore’s achievements.
“Singapore’s remarkable achievements have rightly made all Singaporeans proud, and have propelled the country to regional and international acclaim,” the monarch added. His Majesty further expressed his pleasure in reaffirming the close friendship and valuable cooperation between the two countries and looked forward to further strengthen ties in the future. Concluding his messages to both Singaporean leaders, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes to them and their families and Singaporeans everywhere for a happy SG50 celebration. Present to send off His Majesty at the Sultan’s Flight Hangar were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; and HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah. Meanwhile, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah also congratulated Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, as well as the government and people of Singapore on the city-state’s 50th birthday.
“We join you in celebrating Singapore’s remarkable achievements and the contributions of your countrymen and women in many areas of private and public life throughout the years.
“We are confident that the country will continue to enjoy stability, progress and prosperity for many more years to come,” HRH added. HRH said he was pleased to see K Shanmugam, who is also law minister, during the recent ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, and to have had the opportunity to work together with him in the past year to strengthen the valuable cooperation and warm friendship between the two countries.
“I very much look forward to enhancing these longstanding and important ties between us in the year ahead and wish you, your family and all Singaporeans a very happy and historic celebration,” said HRH. - Sally Piri