China and Brunei aim to enhance economic and trade cooperation as their leaders look to open a new chapter in relations. CGTN‘s Philip Hampsheir spoke with President of the Brunei-China Friendship Association Mohammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman, who believes that people-to-people exchanges are crucial for strengthening ties.
The following is the full text of the interview:
PHILIP HAMPSHEIR: Chinese President Xi Jinping has been meeting and talking with 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. How do you feel the relationship has gone, and how do you feel that it has led to closer and improved economies between the two nations?
MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS BIN ABDUL RAHMAN: We start our diplomatic relations 34 years ago. We start from a very simple, supportive relationship and now we have upgraded to a strategic partnership. It proved that our economic and political relations have upgraded to what is the current situation. And I believe that with investment for the petroleum industry and port management industry. I believe this is great enough to show our bilateral ties.
PHILIP HAMPSHEIR: What areas do you see are potential ones for enhancement in future growth between the two countries?
MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS BIN ABDUL RAHMAN: Yes, the upgraded strategic partnership benefits both governments and strengthens our bilateral relations. Investments in key industries, such as the petroleum sector and port management, continue to attract investors. At the same time, we wish that more investors from China will invest in Brunei.
And besides that, we should upgrade our people-to-people relationships as well and have more exchanges, especially among the youth in areas of innovation, digitals in the future.
PHILIP HAMPSHEIR: You’ve mentioned the cultural linkages and people-to-people exchanges between both China and Brunei. Where would you like to see growth there?
MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS BIN ABDUL RAHMAN: Within the framework of BRI, people-to-people exchange is one of the important areas we should develop in order to build a shared future for our communities. This is important that people-to-people should be upgraded to a strategic partnership as well, especially in the youth development. At the same time, the most important is tourism because by the visiting of both peoples, we will understand more of both cultures and get closer to our relations and foster mutual understandings.
