Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen arrived in Singapore on Oct. 21, 2026, for a three-day introductory visit hosted by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The trip features high-level meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to reinforce bilateral cooperation.
The diplomatic itinerary spans defence, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, highlighting a wide range of bilateral exchanges. Prince Mateen was accompanied by his spouse, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, and senior officials from Brunei.
For the occasion, Prince Mateen wore a geometric-print shirt with silver-blue detailing, while Princess Anisha opted for an elegant pale blue outfit. Her ensemble featured a floral-patterned jacket with structured shoulders, front buttons, and delicate lace trimming the sleeves and hem, completed with a matching skirt. The outfit appeared to be a bespoke design by the fashion label Teh Firdaus, which Anisha has frequently worn and turned to for bridal looks during her 10-day wedding following their marriage in 2024. The couple subsequently welcomed their first child, Princess Zahra, in early 2026.
Defence Engagements at the Special Operations Task Force
Security cooperation took center stage on Oct. 23 when Prince Mateen visited the Singapore Armed Forces’ Special Operations Task Force. The Defence Ministry reported that the Prince was briefed on special operations capabilities by both the task force and the Special Operations Aviation Task Group.
During the visit, the Prince observed operators responding to a counter-terrorism scenario and experienced a flight aboard a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M medium-lift helicopter. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad hosted the itinerary.
Earlier in the week, Prince Mateen met with Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of bilateral defence engagement and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Digital Strategy and Sustainable Investment Roundtables
Beyond traditional security and diplomatic calls, the visit emphasized technology and economic resilience. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo hosted a briefing on Singapore’s AI strategy, leading a wide-ranging discussion on artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure with the visiting foreign minister.
Participants exchanged perspectives on business and investment opportunities connecting Singapore and Brunei.
These engagements build on recent bilateral milestones, reflecting a relationship characterized by special and longstanding ties built on deep mutual trust and understanding.
Prime Minister Wong Seeks to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Wong noted in a Facebook post that Singapore and Brunei share a special and longstanding friendship.
We will build on this legacy to deepen our cooperation, strengthen the ties between our peoples, and take our partnership forward for generations to come.
Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore via The Straits Times
The visit concludes a packed schedule of high-level exchanges intended to set the diplomatic cadence for Prince Mateen following his appointment to the foreign ministry portfolio in June 2026.