The Embassy of Japan recently hosted a reception to celebrate the 65th Birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan at the Songket Ballroom of the Rizqun International Hotel.
In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador-Designate of Japan to Brunei Darussalam highlighted the excellent bilateral relationship between Japan and Brunei Darussalam since Brunei’s independence in 1984.
“Japan established its diplomatic relationship with Brunei and opened its embassy here in that year, so last year marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he added.
Reflecting on the milestone, the Ambassador-Designate highlighted the significance of the “Japan-Brunei Friendship Year,” which was announced in December 2023 during His Majesty the Sultan’s visit to Japan.
“Just before the anniversary year, during His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s visit to Japan in December 2023, it was announced to celebrate this milestone as the ‘Japan-Brunei Friendship year,” he said.
Economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, has long been a pillar of Japan-Brunei relations for the past 50 years.
“At the same time, it is now clear that every country has to face some global issues in a challenging environment such as climate change. Brunei is no exception,” he said.
“As a major investor and trade partner of Brunei, Japan is keen to support Brunei’s energy transition and economic diversification,” he added.
According to the Ambassador-Designate, some 21 Japanese companies are currently operating in Brunei as friendly partners, contributing to the country’s economic development including energy, biotechnology, and healthcare.
Their efforts include producing methanol from Brunei’s natural gas and applying biotechnology in the food and health sectors, he added.
“Looking ahead, the EXPO 2025 Osaka Kansai will open on the 13th of April this year and Japan warmly welcomes Brunei’s participation. This will be a valuable opportunity to showcase Brunei’s unique features and charms to the people of Japan and from around the world. Japan is looking forward to welcoming many Bruneians to the EXPO,” he further shared.
In terms of security, Japan and Brunei have been strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation in recent years
“The second Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Fukuoka, Japan this month, underscoring our shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in this field. We will continue to strengthen such cooperation since the rule of law in the sea is of crucial importance for both of us,” he noted.
During the event, the Ambassador-Designate also highlighted the cultural ties and exchanges between Japan and Brunei.
“The Embassy of Japan hosted more events than ever to present both traditional and modern Japanese cultures in Brunei, such as Ikebana flower arrangement workshops, the first-ever Japanese Food Fair, and a Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition,” he shared.
He also shared that youth exchanges between the two nations remain strong, with over 60 Bruneian youths participating in programmes such as JENESYS, the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme, and the MEXT Scholarship.
In a move to further encourage tourism and educational exchanges, Japan also extended the short-term visa exemption period from 14 to 30 days for both Japanese and Bruneian nationals last December.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Japan.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to explore an exhibition featuring Japanese companies operating in Brunei, highlighting their achievements and ongoing activities.
Present as the guest of honour was Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham Haji Jaafar.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
