BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – In a significant boost to bilateral trade and religious cooperation, Singapore and Brunei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday (October 14) to mutually recognize each other's Halal certificates and marks.

The agreement was signed by key officials from the Islamic religious councils of both nations: Kadir Maideen, Chief Executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), and Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani, Acting Secretary of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB). The historic signing ceremony was witnessed by Singapore’s Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Zaqy Mohamad, and Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengiran Haji Othman (noted in reports alongside counterpart Mohd Tashim bin Hassan).

The landmark deal marks Singapore’s sixth international Halal cooperation agreement—following similar pacts with Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—and serves as Brunei's first-ever partnership of this kind.

According to a media statement released by MUIS, the MOU is designed to streamline Halal trade and reinforce consumer trust across both borders. By removing redundant administrative hurdles in the certification process, the agreement will significantly lower barriers for businesses while safeguarding the rigorous integrity of both nations' Halal systems.

Minister Zaqy, who is making his first official trip to Brunei since assuming his ministerial role in July, emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

"This memorandum of understanding between MUIS and MUIB reflects the strong trust and cooperation between both our countries," Zaqy stated. "With the mutual recognition of our halal certificates and marks, I look forward to seeing this partnership deepen for the benefit of our communities, businesses, and consumers."

Echoing these sentiments, MUIS Chief Executive Kadir Maideen noted that the agreement establishes a robust framework for technical exchanges and expertise-sharing between the two councils.

During his official visit, Minister Zaqy also had the honor of being granted audiences with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, as well as making a courtesy call on Brunei’s State Mufti, Dr Abdul Aziz Juned. These high-level meetings further underscored the enduring friendship and close relationship shared by the Muslim communities and institutions of Singapore and Brunei.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]