Tokyo - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, expressed anticipation for further enhancing relations with Japan as the two countries approach their 40th anniversary of friendship in 2024. This sentiment was shared during a Working Lunch with Japan's Prime Minister, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo. His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.
According to radio Television Brunei, During the luncheon, held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo and coinciding with the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, His Majesty conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to officially visit Japan. He extended congratulations to Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese Government for hosting the Summit and invited the Prime Minister and his spouse, Mrs. Yuko Kishida, for an official visit to Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty also extended best wishes for Japan's successful hosting of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
A key highlight of His Majesty's visit was the signing of the “Memorandum of Cooperation between the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan on the Realisation of Energy Transition." This agreement aims to bolster energy cooperation between the two nations.
His Majesty also acknowledged Japan's ongoing support for various initiatives, including the ASEAN Climate Change Centre, the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), and the MEXT scholarships. These programs are instrumental in enhancing friendship and understanding, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Kishida.
The upcoming visit of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam, to Japan in March 2024, was also discussed. This visit is seen as significant in the context of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Brunei-Japan Friendship Year in 2024.
In addition to energy cooperation, discussions also encompassed bilateral cooperation in defense, maritime sectors, regional and international matters, including the development of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations and the situation in Palestine.
The Working Lunch concluded with a Joint Press Statement issued by Brunei Darussalam and Japan, underscoring the enduring and warm relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 2, 1984. The partnership encompasses cooperation in energy, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.