New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei today afternoon on the first leg of his two-nation tour that also includes Singapore. PM Modi, wo reached Brunei at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is the first Indian prime minister to travel to the southeast Asian nation on a bilateral visit.
Upon landing in Brunei Darussalam, PM Modi was welcomed Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. The Prime Minister said he was looking forward to strong ties between the two nations, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages.
Landed in Brunei Darussalam. Looking forward to strong ties between our nations, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages. I thank Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah for welcoming me at the airport. pic.twitter.com/azcZywzjCh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2024
Later, PM Modi met and interacted with the members of Indian diaspora who gathered at Bandar Seri Begawan to give him a grand welcome.
#WATCH | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: As he arrives at a hotel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with a child who presented him with his sketch and also gives her his autograph. pic.twitter.com/CYVxjkIxEZ
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2024
‘Advancing India’s historical ties with Brunei’
Before embarking on the trip, PM Modi had expressed confidence in “advancing India’s historical ties with Brunei Darussalam and deepening its strategic partnership with Singapore”.
“Today, I am embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights,” he said in his departure statement in New Delhi issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
PM Modi’s Singapore visit
After concluding his Brunei trip, PM Modi will head to Singapore where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He is also scheduled to meet leaders of Singapore’s business community.
Ahead of his two nation tour, PM Modi had said that both countries are important partners in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. He had also exuded confident that his visits would further strengthen India’s partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region.