| James Kon |
MINISTER of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday held a bilateral meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Defence (Defence Secretary) Gavin Williamson, upon his arrival at the Brunei International Airport.
During the meeting, both reaffirmed the long-standing and strong bilateral defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom. They also exchanged views on the regional environment and security developments that are of mutual interest.
The UK Defence Secretary is in the region to participate in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue to be held in Singapore from June 1-3.
While on transit in Brunei Darussalam, Gavin Williamson took the opportunity to call on the Minister of Defence II and visit members of the British Forces Brunei in Seria. This is his first visit to Brunei Darussalam.
UK Defence Secretary’s visit to Brunei Darussalam underscores the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to its relationship with countries in the region, regardless of their size.
It also reflects the commitment to reinforce the active defence and military engagements between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom.
Interactions between the RBAF and the British Armed Forces have widened in scope to include joint exercises, trainings and professional exchanges.
These interactions have enhanced the interoperability and people-to-people ties between the personnel of both armed forces.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi and Gavin Williamson will meet again at the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend.