BOLKIAH GARRISON, Tuesday 5 February 2013 – The Ministry of Defence today received a visit by the Commander Of United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), His Excellency Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III at Bolkiah Garrison.
Upon arrival at the Ministry of Defence, His Excellency was welcome by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat.
His Excellency was accompanied by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Daniel Luke Shields. Also present were the Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) Ministry of Defence, Awang Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, directors and senior officers of Ministry of Defence.
The visit by His Excellency Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III underpins the strong and friendly defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States, which has continued to grow and strengthen over the years. It further provides opportunities to explore areas of mutual defence cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the United States. Brunei Darussalam and the United States signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed on 29 November 1994. The MOU serves as a framework for fostering closer defence relations and cooperation between the defence establishments and armed forces of both countries.
His Excellency then made a courtesy call to RBAF Commander, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin. Also present were Deputy Commander of RBAF, Services Commanders, Directors, Commandants and RBAF senior officers.