Singapore, September 14, 2024 — The Europe Today: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, along with Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, attended an afternoon tea hosted by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, at Istana Villa, Singapore, on Friday. The occasion symbolized the enduring relationship between the two nations as they celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses signed the visitor’s book and were warmly received by the president and his spouse before proceeding to the Delegation Room for afternoon tea. The cordial gathering underscored the close bond between Brunei and Singapore.
Following the tea, His Royal Highness held a courtesy call with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During their meeting, both leaders exchanged views on the robust bilateral relationship, highlighting the milestone of four decades of diplomatic cooperation. His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Wong for his steadfast support of the Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP), which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The YLP has played a pivotal role in fostering mutual respect, trust, and deeper understanding between the two nations, further solidifying the bridges of friendship.
To mark the significant occasion, His Royal Highness and the prime minister unveiled commemorative stamps in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. The stamps, a joint initiative by the Brunei Postal Services Department and Singapore Post, celebrate the rich ties between the two countries.
The Brunei stamp features the ficus elastica tree, which was planted by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and President Tharman during the president’s state visit to Brunei in January at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. The Singapore stamp depicts the dendrobium Hassanal Saleha, named in honor of the state visit of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha to Singapore in August 2022.
The unveiling of these commemorative stamps not only symbolizes the strong relationship between Brunei and Singapore but also reflects the shared history and future cooperation between the two nations.
