Brunei, Japan mark 25 years of close ties

THE total value of import-export between Japan and Brunei has reached $14.8 billion with Japan being the country's biggest market for export of liquified natural gas (LNG).

This was noted by the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Hashimoto Itsuo yesterday during a reception to celebrate Japan-Brunei 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, attended the reception at Sheraton Utama Hotel, along with diplomats and high ranking senior officials.

The reception was also attended by Japan's Ambassador to Asean Katori, who was representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Ambassador Hashimoto said that Brunei and Japan share a very good relationship in a wide range of areas, particularly in the field of economic and trade.

The envoy said that importing more than 10 per cent of Japan's total national LNG needs from Brunei since 1972, the mutual friendship and economic necessity has solidified mutual trust and friendship between the two countries for more than 30 years, constituting a strong backbone for their diplomatic relations.

The methanol project, funded 75 per cent by Japan and 25 per cent by Brunei and scheduled to begin operations soon, will be setting yet another example of such cooperation between the two countries, said Hashimoto.

He added that this was a relationship which he personally hopes would continue and further develop in the future.

The Japan-Brunei relationship is also fostering various cooperation in the context of Japan-Asean relations with Brunei.

Ambassador Hashimoto announced that to welcome the 25th anniversary, the Japanese government will offer an extra invitation programme for 25 Bruneian youths to Japan for a visit to further promote friendship among the next generation of the two countries.

A cake-cutting ceremony to mark the momentous occasion was also held during the reception yesterday with Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna and Ambassador Hashimoto initiating the cut.

The reception also saw Hashimoto presenting two Bruneians and three Japanese nationals with awards in recognition for their dedicated years of service and contribution to the strengthening of Japan-Brunei relations in the country. (SRH1)

The Brunei Times