'Asean important for Brunei, S'pore'
Thursday, June 28, 2007
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam acknowledged the deep respect and admiration that Singapore had earned in a titah during the State Banquet in honour of the visiting Singaporean Prime Minister at Istana Nurul Iman last night.
His Majesty praised Singapore's past achievements, economic performance, "but more than that we admire the courage you have in your convictions in not only facing up to modern challenges but in constantly devising far-sighted solutions," His Majesty remarked. "This has enabled your people to become very important leaders in regional affairs."
The monarch added that "when the new regional (Asean) Charter is completed, your people can rightly take great pride in their contribution to making Asean an association with an impact and importance far beyond our Southeast Asian borders".
The planned Asean Charter aims to promote democracy, democratic institutions, human rights, transparency and good governance within the regional grouping.
Speaking about the 40th currency commemorative ceremony yesterday, the monarch said the new banknote "was a visible symbol of our countries' relationship".
"It is a relationship that we value a great deal. It is a driving force for our businessmen and women who are taking on the challenges of modern commerce. It inspires our experts, academics and thinkers as they help us to plan our future development. It brings us happily together as students, as workers, as visitors and as friends and family."
In summing up the special relationship between Brunei and Singapore, His Majesty put it quite simply: "We appreciate each other. We respect each other. And we are delighted to be working together."
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong continued on with the Asean theme to be reinvigorated as the association marks its 40th anniversary this year.
He pointed out that Singapore and Brunei are the region's smallest nations and agreed that for both Singapore and Brunei, Asean is an important cornerstone of foreign policy.
He highlighted the stability of the currency peg as a testament to Singapore and Brunei's strong and enduring ties that were built on sharing common perspectives on many issues which are rooted in mutual interests for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The prime minister hinted that the currency agreement could be made into a good example of what regional monetary cooperation could look like.
Prime Minister Lee stated the importance of pressing ahead with efforts to reinvigorate the grouping and complete the Charter in time for the Asean Leaders' Summit in November in Singapore.
Asean must remain strong and united so that member-countries can ride the wave of Asian growth, become relevant and be at the centre of developments in Asia, the prime minister said.
He added that the two nations' relationship has stood the test of time which is underpinned by strong personal ties, including regular exchanges at all levels. He cited the examples of HRH the Crown Prince's visit to Singapore last year and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's attendance of the recent Royal Wedding.
He added that the links between Singapore and Brunei have been reinforced by cooperation in a broad range of sectors, including ties between the armed forces and the police.
He assured His Majesty that Singapore valued this relationship and was committed to nurturing and strengthening it for mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Lee also said he hoped to see new bridges of cooperation, especially among the younger generation.
The Singapore prime minister arrived yesterday afternoon and was greeted upon arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah.
Prime Minister Lee was then introduced to the Minister-in-attendance and Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Osman before proceeding to the dais with His Royal Highness to receive the royal salute.
The prime minister, flanked by Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Halbi Mohd Yussof then inspected the guard of honour. Upon returning back to the dais, the prime minister received a second royal salute, followed by the playing of Singapore and Brunei's national anthems.
A complete assembly of foreign envoys and cabinet ministers were lined up along the red carpet to greet the prime minister.
Later in the afternoon, His Majesty consented to receive the prime minister in audience at Istana Nurul Iman. The audience was also attended by both Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong.
Following the joint-audience, a Four-Eye Meeting between the two heads of states ensued in another audience room at Istana Nurul Iman.The Brunei Times
His Majesty praised Singapore's past achievements, economic performance, "but more than that we admire the courage you have in your convictions in not only facing up to modern challenges but in constantly devising far-sighted solutions," His Majesty remarked. "This has enabled your people to become very important leaders in regional affairs."
The monarch added that "when the new regional (Asean) Charter is completed, your people can rightly take great pride in their contribution to making Asean an association with an impact and importance far beyond our Southeast Asian borders".
The planned Asean Charter aims to promote democracy, democratic institutions, human rights, transparency and good governance within the regional grouping.
Speaking about the 40th currency commemorative ceremony yesterday, the monarch said the new banknote "was a visible symbol of our countries' relationship".
"It is a relationship that we value a great deal. It is a driving force for our businessmen and women who are taking on the challenges of modern commerce. It inspires our experts, academics and thinkers as they help us to plan our future development. It brings us happily together as students, as workers, as visitors and as friends and family."
In summing up the special relationship between Brunei and Singapore, His Majesty put it quite simply: "We appreciate each other. We respect each other. And we are delighted to be working together."
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong continued on with the Asean theme to be reinvigorated as the association marks its 40th anniversary this year.
He pointed out that Singapore and Brunei are the region's smallest nations and agreed that for both Singapore and Brunei, Asean is an important cornerstone of foreign policy.
He highlighted the stability of the currency peg as a testament to Singapore and Brunei's strong and enduring ties that were built on sharing common perspectives on many issues which are rooted in mutual interests for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The prime minister hinted that the currency agreement could be made into a good example of what regional monetary cooperation could look like.
Prime Minister Lee stated the importance of pressing ahead with efforts to reinvigorate the grouping and complete the Charter in time for the Asean Leaders' Summit in November in Singapore.
Asean must remain strong and united so that member-countries can ride the wave of Asian growth, become relevant and be at the centre of developments in Asia, the prime minister said.
He added that the two nations' relationship has stood the test of time which is underpinned by strong personal ties, including regular exchanges at all levels. He cited the examples of HRH the Crown Prince's visit to Singapore last year and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's attendance of the recent Royal Wedding.
He added that the links between Singapore and Brunei have been reinforced by cooperation in a broad range of sectors, including ties between the armed forces and the police.
He assured His Majesty that Singapore valued this relationship and was committed to nurturing and strengthening it for mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Lee also said he hoped to see new bridges of cooperation, especially among the younger generation.
The Singapore prime minister arrived yesterday afternoon and was greeted upon arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah.
Prime Minister Lee was then introduced to the Minister-in-attendance and Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Osman before proceeding to the dais with His Royal Highness to receive the royal salute.
The prime minister, flanked by Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Halbi Mohd Yussof then inspected the guard of honour. Upon returning back to the dais, the prime minister received a second royal salute, followed by the playing of Singapore and Brunei's national anthems.
A complete assembly of foreign envoys and cabinet ministers were lined up along the red carpet to greet the prime minister.
Later in the afternoon, His Majesty consented to receive the prime minister in audience at Istana Nurul Iman. The audience was also attended by both Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong.
Following the joint-audience, a Four-Eye Meeting between the two heads of states ensued in another audience room at Istana Nurul Iman.The Brunei Times
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