Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, during her working visit to Brunei Darussalam, engaged in significant discussions with Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof. The discussions encompassed a range of topics, with both countries emphasising the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding.
Japan’s Press Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kobayashi-Terada Maki shared insights from the discussions during a press briefing at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.
Also present was Charge d’Affaires at the Japan Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Suda Atsushi.
The Japanese foreign affairs minister emphasised the significance of people-to-people relations and lauded Brunei’s initiative in launching the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme in 2021, with Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan acknowledging that firsthand experiences are essential for building strong and trustful relations.
The ministers also addressed climate change and noted that Japan is cooperating with the Sultanate to establish a roadmap for decarbonisation.
Also in discussion was Brunei’s recent initiative on the ASEAN Centre fo Climate Change, with Japan expressing its interest in cooperation and coordination with the centre’s establishment. Additionally, both nations are exploring opportunities for collaboration in technological development and research through universities and experts in terms of marine cooperation, with both stressing the importance of safety and security of navigation.
During the discussions, Kamikawa commended Brunei’s provision of free healthcare and highlighted the cooperation between Brunei’s health minister and Japan’s Osaka University Hospital. The ministers also underscored the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries, touching on investment, education, people-to-people relations and the positive relationship between Brunei’s royal family and Japan’s imperial families.
Kamikawa also highlighted the assistance provided by Brunei during the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defence cooperation was also featured in the discussion including the signing of a memorandum of understanding and a Defence Policy Dialogue between the two countries’ defence ministers.
The ministers also explored cooperation in science and technology, health and various other areas, to enhance the partnership as they approach the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Kamikawa emphasised the broader context of Japan-ASEAN relations, placing importance on issues such as climate change, energy security, food security, combatting transmittable diseases, infectious diseases, and women’s peace and security.
They also addressed international and regional situations, with the Japanese minister highlighting the importance of cooperation over confrontation in the current challenging international landscape.
She praised Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan’s speech for its alignment with Japan’s approach of seeking common ground for international cooperation and preserving human dignity to maintain peace and security. The discussions between the two countries demonstrated alignment on various bilateral, regional, and international issues. Both nations are committed to working closely to prepare the groundwork for future summit meetings.
Kamikawa also noted the significance of Brunei’s economic diversification and its role in ensuring energy security, highlighting Brunei’s importance to Japan.
Japan’s Press Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs meanwhile commented on the ongoing bilateral discussions on defence cooperation, describing them as a capacity-building exercise that enhances friendship and mutual understanding.
She stressed the importance of maritime cooperation and capacity building in humanitarian assistance and disaster prevention and rescue.
As the international situation remains challenging, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, both countries expressed their commitment to building a trustworthy relationship and fostering confidence. They recognised the importance of comprehensive connectivity initiatives, strengthening the resilience of ASEAN member countries, and contributing to peace and security in the region.
Kamikawa, who is part of Japan’s new Cabinet and one of five female members, is paying her first working visit to Brunei, followed by visits to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
Her appointment as Japan’s foreign affairs minister marks a historic milestone as the first Japanese woman to hold the position. – Lyna Mohamad
