His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, was yesterday conferred with the Distinguished Service Order (Military) by S R Nathan, the President of the Republic of Singapore at the Istana, according to a press release.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is on a four-day visit to Singapore. Accompanying him is Prince Abdul Qawi.

The Distinguished Service Order was awarded to the Crown Prince for his outstanding service in promoting good bilateral relations especially his great commitment towards enhancing defence relations between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces.

The investiture ceremony of the conferment of the Distinguished Service Order was followed by a reception in honour of His Royal Highness.

Among those who attended the investiture ceremony and the reception were defence ministers and senior defence officials of Singapore and the High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam.

The ceremony was also attended by Prince Abdul Qawi as well as the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Singapore, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and senior officials from Brunei Darussalam.

During the reception, His Royal Highness was congratulated by ministers and senior officials from both countries.

Following the investiture ceremony, His Royal Highness made a courtesy call on S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore. A luncheon was then hosted by the president in honour of His Royal Highness on the occasion of His Royal Highness' visit to the Republic of Singapore.

Earlier upon arrival at the Istana, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Singapore Minister of Defence, Teo Chee Hean. His Royal Highness inspected a guard of honour before receiving a call by Teo Chee Hean.

In the afternoon, His Royal Highness met with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as on regional and international matters of mutual concern.

In the evening His Royal Highness attended a dinner hosted by Teo Chee Hean in honour of His Royal Highness' visit. The dinner took place at a leading hotel in the city. - Borneo Bulletin (21st Jan 2009)