PM Modi concludes his ‘productive visit’ to Brunei, emplanes for Singapore

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Brunei): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded his ‘productive visit’ to Brunei and departed for Singapore.

PM Modi said that his visit ushered in a new era of stronger ties between India and Brunei. He expressed gratitude to the people and the government of Brunei for their hospitality and affection.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “My visit to Brunei Darussalam was productive. It ushers in a new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties. Our friendship will contribute to a better planet. I am grateful to the people and Government of Brunei for their hospitality and affection.”

Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also mentioned about PM Modi travelling to Singapore after concluding his visit to Brunei.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, “PM @narendramodi concludes a productive visit to Brunei, strengthening bonds with a valued partner. Next stop Singapore.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at the Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, where he was warmly greeted by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. During the “wide ranging” talks, the two leaders discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges.”

On Tuesday, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations.

The Prime Minister also visited Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, as a part of his historic visit to Brunei. Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin received him at Mosque and Brunei’s Minister of Health Dato Haji Mohammad Isham was also present, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release.

While addressing a special briefing on PM Modi’s visit to Brunei and Singapore on Monday, the Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar, said that PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore is important for trade and investment.

“From the point of trade and investment also PM’s visit to Singapore is significant. Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN. It is a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the last financial year. Singapore is India’s sixth largest trade partner worldwide,” he said.

He stated, “Investments have also been very large. Since 2000 till now, we have an accumulative FDI of USD 160 billion dollars. There will be an interaction with business leaders in the PM’s visit. This will be an important element of the visit as Prime Minister will address the CEOs in his visit, where they will hear India’s growth story first hand,” Mazumdar said.M

Recalling PM Modi’s first visit to Singapore, Mazumdar stated, “His [PM Modi’s] first visit to Singapore was in his first term as the Prime Minister.

This visit is of great significance as it’s his visit early in his term, and also as the new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has taken oath recently and Singaporeans are excited to welcome PM Modi.”

“This is an opportune time to set the stage for India-Singapore’s vibrant bilateral relations for the next stage of India-Singapore bilateral relations. Our ties have evolved and we have a dynamic strategic partnership encompassing diverse areas from our shared history and people-to-people ties, which form an important link between us,” he said. (ANI)