BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon last sunday visited the resident infantry batallion and supporting personnel at the Brunei Garisson at Seria.

The visit included briefings, capability demonstrations and a tour, during which the Defence Secretary formally opened the newest accommodation block which contains 32 flats.

A press release from the British High Commission to Brunei said that during the visit, Fallon said that the flats were one element of a much larger programme of work to provide new facilities for the UK personnel based in the Sultanate.

“The programme will deliver huge improvements to the domestic and technical facilities available to our Armed Forces,” said the Defence Secretary.

The event continued with a poignant visit to Gurkha families following the recent earthquakes in Nepal and during the bicentenary celebrations of Gurkha service to the British Crown.

“We have a longstanding defence relationship with Brunei and I was pleased to see firsthand the strengths and capabilities of 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles (1RGR), stationed in the country,” said Fallon.

“The renewed Garrison arrangements will enhance our defence co-operation with Brunei, opening up new opportunities to work together in the Asia region,” he added.

Defence Secretary Fallon also made a courtesy call to Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Deputy Minister of Defence in the afternoon session.

Both ministers were discussed about international and regional developments as well as the longstanding close defence relations between the two countries and practical ways to enhance cooperation between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and British Forces Brunei (BFB). – Khai Zem Mat Sani

The Brunei Times