Bandar Seri Begawan - Senior Minister of state (Foreign Affairs) of the Republic of Singapore, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, has lauded the close ties of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore during a reception hosted by the Singapore Association in Brunei Darussalam at the Singapore High Commission's multi purpose hall.

During his speech, Mr Zainul Abiding Rasheed praised the Singapore High Commission for doing a good job in maintaining a strong relationship and assisting in bridging the countries together.

He said, "I am very happy that our high commission here is doing a good job of bringing our two countries together. We want to ensure that the friendship will last for a long time. And our high commissioner, who plays an important role in making sure that the two countries and its people continue to build on our existing friendship."

Recalling, his past experiences in Brunei, he said "I remember when I took my first step in Brunei back in 1984. I was the editor of Berita Harian, part of the Strait Times group. I was here to cover Brunei's independence. I was fiery privileged and honoured to be given the opportunity to interview His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei.

"After I interviewed His Majesty, then doors started to open and we understood what it is like to be Bruneian. They are a warm and friendly people. Our friendship grew from that time onward. I did try to come back to Brunei as frequently as I could manage. The last time I visited was two years ago."

Accompanying the minister of state was the Singapore High Commissioner, Mr Joseph Koh.

Upon his arrival, the President of the Singapore Association in Brunei Darussalam, Dr Patrick Ang and other members greeted the minister.

Dr Patrick Ang highlighted this occasion as the first event organised by his association since new members were voted into the group and he promised more events to come. After his speech, the minister took the opportunity to further mingle with the Singaporean crowd.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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