Adib Noor
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru yesterday stressed on the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Brunei since the Sultanate’s independence in 1984.
He said this at a reception to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club yesterday.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh was the guest of honour.
The envoy said Japan-Brunei partnership was elevated to a new height last year through cooperation in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan-ASEAN partnership under Brunei’s chairmanship and enhanced defence cooperation.
The ambassador also highlighted that people-to-people exchanges have always been the basis of the friendly relationship between Japan and Brunei.
He shared that the number of travellers between Japan and Brunei is steadily growing, especially after the relaxation of the border control in Japan and the resumption of Royal Brunei Airlines direct flights to Japan last year.
He added that some 20 Japanese students are currently studying at Bruneian universities, and 18 Bruneian students are at Japanese universities. To date, 23 Japanese universities have partnerships with Brunei universities.
In terms of economic relations between Brunei and Japan, the two countries have long been enjoying a prosperous relationship.
“Since Brunei’s independence, Japan has been the Sultanate’s largest trading partner. The stable export of LNG from Brunei has always been a cornerstone of our partnership. Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Brunei LNG shipment to Japan,” he said.
“Currently, 18 Japanese companies are operating in Brunei in various sectors, such as chemical and bio industries, construction, transportation, agriculture and foods,” he added.
