Brunei–Singapore relations

Brunei–Singapore relations
Map indicating locations of Brunei and Singapore

Brunei
Singapore
Diplomatic mission
High CommissionHigh Commission
Envoy
High Commissioner Noor Qamar SulaimanHigh Commissioner Lim Hong Huai[1]

Brunei and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1984. Brunei has a high commission in Singapore, and Singapore has a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan.[2] Brunei and Singapore have close and friendly relations with extensive defence co-operation.[3][2][4] Both countries are members of ASEAN and Commonwealth of Nations.

History

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The official relations between the two countries were established in 1984.[3][2] In 2012, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah attended the 3rd Singapore Airshow and met the then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, while Teo Chee Hean visited Brunei the same year.[2]

Economic and monetary relations

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Several memorandum of understanding have been signed and there is a Currency Interchangeability Agreement between the two countries which makes both Brunei dollar and Singapore dollar banknotes and coins legal tender in either country.[2][5]

Security relations

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The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has trained many Bruneian soldiers for a period of time.[4][6] As compensation, Brunei granted the Singapore Armed Forces to build a permanent jungle training camp in Temburong, named Lakiun Camp and officially opened in 1977.[7][8] Brunei and Singapore began Exercise Airguard in 1994, which involves joint training between the Royal Brunei Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, with the states alternating as hosts. The Republic of Singapore Navy also hosts exercises with Royal Brunei Navy every year named Exercise Pelican. Besides, the Singapore Police Force also deployed to Brunei to conduct Exercise Solar Wind. This exercise was jointly conducted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), supported by HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency). Some highly trained police officers from both forces continue to sharpen their post-blast investigation skills and hone their working relationship with their foreign counterparts. The joint training exercise is also an important platform for SPF to reinforce our strong training ties and relationship with the Royal Bruneian Police Force.[9] The exercises usually involve around 70 personnel from both nations.[9]

Further reading

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References

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  1. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore - About the High Commission". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Brunei-Singapore Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Brunei). Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  3. ^ a b Omar, A. M. (2014). How Singapore and Brunei Became Friends. The AMO Times, 15.
  4. ^ a b "Brunei and Singapore: Abiding ties of close neighbours". The Straits Times. 29 October 2012. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  5. ^ Reading Room. "Currency Interchangeability Agreement - Brunei Notes and Coins". Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  6. ^ "EX-DMOD HONOURED FOR EXCELLENT BRUNEI-SINGAPORE DEFENCE RELATIONS". Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam. 16 June 2011. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  7. ^ "SAF soldiers take care not to 'thrash' Brunei jungle while training: PM Lee".
  8. ^ Asian Defence Journal. Syed Hussain Publications Sdn. Bhd. 1988. p. 16.
  9. ^ a b Parameswaran, Prashanth (16 October 2018). "Air Force Exercise Puts Brunei-Singapore Defense Ties into Focus". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
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