Bandar Seri Begawan- The mutual goal of building a close and historical relationship through the bonding of the next generation has been reinforced, according to Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Joseph Koh.
The High Commissioner reiterated this in his speech yesterday during the Singapore National Day Reception held at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.
This year Singapore celebrates its 42nd year of independence, and is a significant year for Asean as it marks its 40th anniversary.
In his speech, the High Commissioner addressed a number of positive issues that the two nations have observed throughout their unique history as regional neighbours.
‘This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between our countries, which our leaders celebrated recently,‘ said the High Commissioner, referring to the sultanate‘s ability to use local currency in Singapore, and vice-versa.
‘This unique monetary pact reflects the deep compatibility and enduring mutual friendship, respect and trust shared between Singapore and Brunei.‘
He added that while close relations may be longstanding and indeed going back more than 40 years, ‘We are constantly looking for new and creative ways to ensure that ‘old can be young‘ _ that our time-honoured relationship will continue to pulsate with youthful vigour.‘
To this end, there have been many bilateral visits and exchanges over the course of last year which have created ‘invaluable opportunities‘ for the younger ministers, officials, uniformed officers, and even the youth, said the High Commissioner. He added that in recent years, young officers in the Singapore Administrative Service ‘make it a point to visit Brunei as part of their in-service training‘.
He also highlighted how Asean has reached a ‘critical juncture in its development‘. ‘Riding on the winds of prosperity blowing across the region, Singapore and Brunei are working closely, along with our other partners in Asean, to shape the future of Asean,‘ he said. He pointed out that Asean can become a reinvigorated, strong, and coherent community by getting the younger generation involved to carry on the ‘legacy‘ in the many years to come.
The theme for this year‘s Singapore National Day celebrations is that Singapore has become ‘A City of Possibilities‘, where the notion of ‘It is not how old we are, but how young we feel, that truly matters,‘ is accentuated.
The High Commissioner summed it up by conveying his optimism for Singapore and Brunei relations, and for Asean as a whole. ‘If we can continue to walk in the right direction as we are doing now, we can prove to ourselves, to each other, and to the rest of the world that old can indeed be young.‘
The guest of honour at the reception was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud. Along with the Minister, several other distinguished guests including Singaporean diplomats and Bruneian officials were there to honour the significant day for the sultanate‘s long-time supportive neighbour.
Source: www.bruneitimes.com (10 Agustus 2007)
