BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Monday 22 December 2014 – Bangladesh’s Armed Forces is looking to strengthen defence cooperation with Brunei in the coming year through more training exchange programmes between military officers.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei, Mohammed Abdul Hye said there are plans for their army chief to visit the sultanate next year.
“Next year, we would like to invite the commandant of the Defence Academy of Brunei to visit Bangladesh. At the same time, we are trying to organise the visit of our army chief to come to Brunei,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of a lunch reception on the occasion of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day, the high commissioner said his country would like to strengthen cooperation in training.
“Our officers are coming here to Brunei to attend a course next year, which will be the fourth intake. Every year over the least three years, we send one officer here. Brunei too has been sending their officers to Bangladesh,” he said.
The diplomat said they are trying to organise more training for Bruneian land, army and air force officers to Bangladesh.
“Globally, we cooperate to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Brunei is best in very strategic and important locations. We are at the far end of the region, but our interactions with Brunei help us understand the Asia-Pacific region more closely.
“Brunei’s knowledge together with Bangladesh’s knowledge on the region creates an area for more interactive cooperation between the two armed forces,” he added.
Last year, two Bangladesh senior generals came here to deliver lectures at the Defence Academy. Mohammed Abdul Hye said this is one way of sharing their knowledge and experience with Brunei.
In his speech, the high commissioner said he believed both countries will reach new heights in defence cooperation in years to come.
Present as guest of honour at the reception held at the Radisson Hotel was Deputy Defence Minister Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat.
Also present were Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah, senior defence officials and diplomats. Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Day falls on November 21.
Courtesy of the Brunei Times
Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Brunei Mohammed Abdul Hye (2nd L), Deputy Defence Minister and RBAF Commander cut a cake to mark Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Day.
BT/Rachel Thien