The Embassy of Germany in Brunei Darussalam held a reception to celebrate the 34th Day of German Unity and the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Brunei on Thursday.
German Ambassador to Brunei Darusssalam Gerda Winkler in her welcoming speech said the diplomatic ties were established on January 30, 1984, just four weeks after Brunei gained independence. The first (non-resident) German Ambassador Dr Wolfram Dufner handed in his letter of credence on May 2 1984, and Brunei’s first (non-resident) Brunei Ambassador to Germany Pengiran Haji Jaya received approval on September 9, 1984.
She said, “The next step was opening embassies: Germany opened its embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan on March 14, 1985, and Brunei opened its embassy in Bonn on October 15, 1990.”
She emphasised the strong and reliable partnership between Germany and Brunei, noting shared values regarding a rules-based international order, multilateralism and free trade. 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 has met with three German Federal Presidents and three Federal Chancellors over the years, reinforcing their diplomatic ties. She added, a delegation from the German Parliament visited Brunei as part of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for ASEAN member states. This marked the first visit of the ASEAN Friendship Group to Brunei since 2007 and served as an important contribution to the 40th anniversary celebration.
She said in terms of cooperation, “Germany and Brunei have a long history of cooperation, such as the joint venture between Lürssen Shipyard and Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd for operations at Muara Naval Base. The Royal Brunei Air Force’s recent acquisition of Eurocopters H145M, replacing the Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO 105, will further strengthen these ties.” She further highlighted the long-standing relationship between Brunei and German universities, noting that many Bruneian students are currently studying in Germany and that this area could see further development.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran bin Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha was present at the event. The event concluded with the minister and Ambassador Winkler cutting a cake to commemorate the celebration. – James Kon
