Germany and Brunei Darussalam have enjoyed excellent relations going back many decades.
At the same time, the two countries share similar views on the value of a rule-based international order, on multilateralism and on the importance of free trade, said Ambassador of Germany to Brunei Darussalam Gerda Winkler during the reception of the 33rd anniversary of German Reunification at Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Jerudong yesterday.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid was the guest of honour.
The ambassador, in her speech said high-ranking visits have fostered the relations between the two countries, notably a visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs II to Berlin, Germany last year.
In terms of business, the ambassador said Brunei Fertilizer Industries plant, built by Thyssenkrupp, has produced its first million tonnes of urea.
“It is one of the biggest fertiliser facilities in Southeast Asia, supporting the Brunei government’s diversification strategy,” she said.
The ambassador noted that bilateral relations of the two countries are also embedded in the wider European Union (EU)-ASEAN partnership, with EU being one of ASEAN’s oldest dialogue partners.
“We are looking forward to the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC) in Brunei. It is another excellent opportunity to foster bilateral as well as EU-ASEAN relations in this highly relevant area,” said Winkler.
She added that, “Germany and the EU have been discussing providing cooperation and support for the centre through the activities of the wider EU-German Climate Action Programme, implemented by the German Development Cooperation Agency GIZ with Germany having offered its bilateral support.”
The ambassador also extended her gratitude to the Government of 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. – Rokiah Mahmud
