PMO News

 

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 and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman last night attended a Dinner hosted by His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan and spouse, Mrs. Yuko Kishida. 

During the Dinner, His Royal Highness in a sabda said that Brunei Darussalam and Japan enjoy excellent cooperation through the close rapport shared between the Royal Families as well as the Government and people. As both countries will be celebrating 40 years of friendship this year, His Royal Highness affirmed that the mutual commitment to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership and the robust cooperation that both countries have built together will ensure resilience in an era of disruption and uncertainty. The enduring ties and common vision to work together in energy predates the establishment of diplomatic ties. Brunei Darussalam, stated His Royal Highness, deeply appreciates Japan's continuous support which has led to the strong cooperation in energy enjoyed today. In addition, His Royal Highness expressed appreciation for Japan's support under the Asia Zero Emissions Community, AZEC and Brunei Darussalam's initiative under the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, in developing coordinated and strategic policies for the region.  Therefore, the finalisation of the Exchange of Notes on Visa Waiver Arrangement today, said His Royal Highness, will bring the people closer together, particularly in marking the 2024 Brunei-Japan Friendship Year. Finally, on regional matters, His Royal Highness stated that Brunei consistently values the cooperation and support Japan has given in ASEAN, particularly in establishing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to ensure peace and security. 

His Royal Highness first held a Meeting with His Excellency the Prime Minister of Japan, in which His Royal Highness expressed deep condolences to the victims of the Fukushima Earthquake, as Japan marks its 13th anniversary this year. 

His Royal Highness and His Excellency also discussed on bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Japan in the fields of energy, people-to-people exchanges, defence and maritime cooperation. Discussions also included an exchange of views on regional and international matters including ASEAN-Japan dialogue relations; developments in Myanmar; and the situation in Palestine. 

After the Meeting, His Royal Highness and His Excellency the Prime Minister of Japan witnessed the Exchange of Notes Ceremony on Visa Waiver Arrangement between Brunei Darussalam and Japan. Representing the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Excellency Haji Shahbudin bin Haji Musa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Japan, whereas His Excellency ToruMaeda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, represented the Government of Japan. 

His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, together with His Excellency the Prime Minister of Japan and spouse, the proceeded to the Prime Minister's Residence for a Dinner.

His Royal Highness in a sabda commended Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his significant dedication and commitment to relations between both countries since his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, including during His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Official Visit to Japan last year. To this end, His Royal Highness expressed confidence that relations will continue to strengthen and prosper in the coming years under Prime Minister Kishida's leadership. 

Prior to that, His Excellency delivered remarks highlighting the mutual agreement on the extension of the visa waiver and the longstanding relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan which will mark its 40th year in 2024. His Excellency also underscored the significance of the existing energy cooperation, including the 50th anniversary of the BLNG shipment to Japan in 2022 and hoped for this cooperation to be continued. In closing his remarks, His Excellency expressed hope for the bilateral relationship between both countries to be further developed and further extended an invitation for His Royal Highness to visit Japan again.