Japan and Brunei Darussalam have enjoyed an excellent bilateral relationship since Brunei’s independence in 1984, said Ambassador-Designate of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Kikuta Yutaka during the 65th birthday reception of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on Wednesday.
He added, “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.
“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 also touched on trade and investment, especially in the energy sector, which has been the main catalyst of prosperity for both countries 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 Brunei’s main investor and business partner, Japan strives to support the Sultanate’s energy transition and economic diversification,” he said.
Currently, he added, 21 Japanese companies are operating in Brunei as partners contributing to the local economic development where the production of methanol from Brunei’s natural gas, using biotechnology in the food and health sectors, are some examples of such efforts.
He added, Japan and Brunei, both clearly maritime countries, have gradually deepened their maritime defence and security cooperation in recent years.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was the guest of honour at the ceremony. – Fadhil Yunus
