Singapore: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Finance of Singapore Lawrence Wong will lead a delegation of Singapore political office-holders to Negara Brunei Darussalam from 11 to 14 December 2023 for the 9th Young Leaders' Programme (YLP), at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
This will be DPM Wong's first time co-chairing the YLP with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah, the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore said in its press release on December 11.
Started in 2013, the YLP is an annual exchange of visits that Singapore and Brunei take turns to host, the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore further said.
The YLP reflects the strong commitment of both countries to enhance their special bilateral relationship through deepening ties between the next generation of leaders.
The Prime Minister's Office of Singapore said in its press release on December 11 that DPM Wong will be accompanied by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and Environment and Ministry of Manpower, Dr Koh Poh Koon; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Manpower, Mohamad Zaqy; and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of National Development, Tan Kiat How.
"The visit reaffirms Singapore's strong commitment to build on the historic foundations of bilateral ties. Both sides will discuss ways to take the partnership forward in the years ahead as both sides commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024", the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore said.
"This includes working together in the traditional pillars of cooperation on defence, finance, trade and investment, and education, as well as exploring new areas of shared interest such as food security, renewable energy, and the green economy", it also said.
During the visit, DPM Wong and the delegation will have audiences with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah will also host DPM Wong and the delegation to a morning walk and breakfast at the Abode eco-resort in Temburong.
Mr. Wong and delegation will attend the Commissioning Ceremony of AL-FARUQ, the second of two ex-Fearless class Patrol Vessels which the Republic of Singapore Navy has transferred to the Royal Brunei Navy.
DPM Wong will also deliver a special lecture on the mutually beneficial and enduring nature of the special Singapore-Brunei relationship to an audience comprising Bruneian leaders, senior officials, academics, and students, PMO said.
