Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, will lead a delegation to the Negara Brunei Darussalam from 26 to 28 Aug 05. 

2          During the visit, Minister Yaacob will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation with his counterpart, Pehin Dato Haji Abdullah Bakar, the Minister of Development of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

3          The signing of this MOU signifies the strong desire by both countries to enhance existing good ties and foster closer partnership.  It will provide a formal framework for the two countries to further strengthen the current state of environmental collaboration and facilitate cooperation in the fields of environmental protection and management, and sustainable development between the two countries. 

4          Under the MOU, the possible areas of cooperation include solid and hazardous waste management, water resources management, recycling and environmental education.

5          The signing of the MOU will also launch an Annual Exchange of Visits (AEV) which will take the form of a ministerial meeting jointly chaired by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources of Singapore and the Minister of Development of Negara Brunei Darussalam.  A working Committee will also be set up at the senior officials’ level which will report the progress of the activities and programmes implemented under the MOU to the Ministers at its AEV. 

6          While in Negara Brunei Darussalam, Minister Yaacob will also have an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.  Besides the Minister of Development, Minister Yaacob will also call on Pehin Dato Dr Haji Mohd Zain Serudin, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and Pehin Dato Dr Haji Ahmad Jumat, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.  

7          Minister Yaacob will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the National Environment Agency and the PUB.

MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
25 AUG 2005