Tokyo – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, is set to attend the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, marking the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation from 15th to 17th December 2023.
According to Radio Television Brunei, this summit commemorates five decades since the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 1973, a period marked by significant developments such as the founding of the ASEAN-Japan Centre and the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), as well as the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS). This year has been designated as the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, featuring a range of events and exchange programs in areas like economy, culture, youth, and tourism.
While in Tokyo, His Majesty is scheduled for meetings with Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The summit, co-chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as the Chair of ASEAN, and Prime Minister Kishida, will see participation from other ASEAN leaders. It aims to forge a new vision to strengthen the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The previous summit in 2013, also held in Tokyo, witnessed the adoption of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan, emphasizing cooperation across four pillars: “Partners for Peace and Stability," “Partners for Prosperity," “Partners for Quality of Life," and “Heart-to-Heart Partners." Additionally, a Joint Statement on Regional and Global Issues was adopted, addressing shared challenges and interests.