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, in a sabda yesterday expressed appreciation for Japan’s contribution to the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme mooted by 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 in 2021, in bringing the people closer together and instilling a greater understanding of ASEAN.
His Royal Highness yesterday attended a reception at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan.
His Royal Highness also expressed pleasure in attending the reception. The Sultanate and Japan enjoy excellent cooperation in energy, trade and investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
The confidence and trust between the Brunei Government, Shell and Mitsubishi Corporation since 1969 has contributed towards the energy cooperation enjoyed today between both countries, His Royal Highness added. His Royal Highness also said Brunei has been a steady and reliable supplier of energy with 2022 marking the 50th anniversary of the BLNG shipment to Japan. In this regard, His Royal Highness looked forward to deepening ties in the near future.
His Royal Highness also welcomed the finalisation of the Visa Waiver Arrangement and expressed confidence that it will facilitate travel and the movement of goods and services, particularly as both countries mark the 2024 Brunei-Japan Friendship Year.
On regional cooperation, His Royal Highness remarked on the close collaboration towards advancing ASEAN’s community-building efforts under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in promoting regional peace and prosperity.
Prior to the reception, His Royal Highness welcomed the arrival of His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino and subsequently held a meeting with His Imperial Highness. His Royal Highness and His Imperial Highness were then ushered to the reception hall.
The reception began with the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Japan, followed with welcoming remarks by Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Japan Haji Shahbudin bin Haji Musa as host of the reception and a speech by Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi as the representative of the government of Japan.
His Royal Highness and His Imperial Highness then proceeded to view an exhibition showcasing and promoting products and services of the Sultanate.
The exhibition comprised Bruneian government agencies and companies as well as key business stakeholders engaged in Japanese oil and gas industries, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Department of Energy, Prime Minister’s Office; the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB); Royal Brunei; The Empire Brunei; Darussalam Enterprise (DARe); Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd; Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd; Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd; and Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd.
Preceding the reception, His Royal Highness also met with Japanese business representatives from various companies including Tokyo Gas, Japan’s Energy for a New Era (JERA), Japan Petroleum Exploration (JAPEX) and Mitsubishi Corporation.
The 40 years of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan have demonstrated the commitment of both countries to strengthen the longstanding goodwill and cooperation including in areas such as the economy, energy and people-to-people exchanges.
As one of the Sultanate’s key energy trade partners, His Royal Highness’ official visit to Japan also boosts opportunities and enhances collaboration between both sides in the energy sector.
