Singapore, Brunei reaffirm stronger bilateral defence cooperation

Singapore Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee (centre), flanked by Deputy Secretary (Policy) Teo Eng Dih (left) and Policy Office Director Amos Yeo at the 8th Singapore-Brunei Defence Policy Dialogue on Sept 15, 2020. PHOTO: MINDEF

SINGAPORE - Singapore and Brunei reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation in areas such as defence technology at the Singapore-Brunei Defence Policy Dialogue on Tuesday (Sept 15).

Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee co-chaired the eighth edition of the dialogue, which took place via video conferencing, with his counterpart from Brunei, Brigadier General (BG) (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma'awiah.

Both sides exchanged views on international and regional security issues of mutual interest, and welcomed further defence cooperation on platforms such as the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting, as Brunei will be assuming Asean chairmanship in 2021.

Mr Chan and BG (Rtd) Dato Shahril also approved enhancements to the bilateral Defence Scholars' Development Programme.

Established in 2007, the programme has brought together future leaders of the defence establishments of the two countries at an early stage of their careers to build lifelong friendships.

Mindef said the Singapore-Brunei Defence Policy Dialogue has served as a regular forum for both countries to oversee and advance the bilateral defence relationship, as well as explore new areas of defence cooperation.

Inaugurated in 2009, the dialogue reaffirms the close and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and Brunei.

Armed forces from both countries also interact regularly through a wide range of activities such as cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and visits.

Singapore and Brunei will celebrate their 45th anniversary of bilateral defence ties next year.

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