Vivian Balakrishnan in Brunei on three-day visit for Sultan Bolkiah's 68th birthday

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting Brunei from Aug 13 to 15 as the Government's representative to the 68th birthday celebrations of Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Ministr
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting Brunei from Aug 13 to 15 as the Government's representative to the 68th birthday celebrations of Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday, Aug 14, 2014. -- PHOTO: ST FILE 

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting Brunei from Aug 13 to 15 as the Government's representative to the 68th birthday celebrations of Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

Dr Balakrishnan and Mrs Balakrishnan had a joint audience with the Sultan and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, the statement said. The minister conveyed birthday greetings from Singapore's leaders to Sultan Bolkiah, and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and further opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Singapore and Brunei, it added.

In addition, Mr Balakrishnan attended the Royal Guard of Honour Ceremony and the Investiture Ceremony earlier Thursday, where several state awards were conferred. Among the recipients was Singaporean Senior Lieutenant Colonel Meyyappan Nadarajan Thevar, who was awarded the Darjah Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Yang Amat Berjasa Darjah Ketiga in recognition of his contributions to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.