Reflecting on years of collaboration and camaraderie, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Gerda Winkler said, “It is always sad to bid farewell to colleagues we have for years appreciated to know and work with, even more so as we are a small and tight-knit community here in Bandar Seri Begawan, which feels like family.”
She said this while hosting a farewell dinner to honour Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru and Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Luke Arnold at a hotel on Thursday.
The dean highlighted the significant contributions of the two envoys, including their efforts in facilitating state visits. She said, “Both Maeda Toru and Luke Arnold had the honour to prepare for 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 successful visits to their countries. Maeda Toru also supported a visit by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, to Japan during his tenure.”
The dinner, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, marked the conclusion of the envoys’ diplomatic service in Brunei. Both diplomats presented their letters of credence to His Majesty on May 24, 2022. Their tenure also included overseeing the 40th anniversary celebration of bilateral relations with Brunei and participation in ASEAN dialogue summits.
Winkler said, “Both have very close and friendly relations with Brunei on many levels, not only political but also in areas such as economy, climate, education, and culture.”
Leliana Setiona, High Commissioner Arnold’s spouse, was also recognised for her active involvement in the diplomatic community.
Winkler acknowledged, “Setiona has not only been a strong support for Arnold’s work but was also a very active member of our diplomatic community, particularly in the Female Spouses and Female Heads of Mission’s group.”
Maeda Toru will assume his next assignment in Kathmandu, Nepal while Luke Arnold, his spouse and their children will return to Canberra, Australia.
As tokens of appreciation, farewell cards were presented to the envoys, and a bouquet of flowers was gifted to Setiona.
Winkler concluded the evening by thanking the envoys for their friendship and service, adding, “We wish them all the very best for their future endeavours.” – Fadley Faisal
