Celebrating Brunei-Japan Ties
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - "Japan and Brunei have - since the establishment of diplomatic ties - been strengthening their friendship in various fields: economy, culture, people-to-people exchange and so forth.

"As a result of these activities, for instance in the field of economy, Japan has become the biggest export market for Brunei. This shows how close our bilateral relationship is."

Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Hashimoto Itsuo yesterday said this during hiss speech at the 73rd birthday celebration of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

The celebration - held at the International Convention Centre - saw Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri PahlawanAwg Hj Mohammad present as guest of honour. "Needless to say, the ties between our two countries did not just begin 22 years ago: Japan and Brunei have a long history of exchange and today's good relationship is based on this history.

"In this sense, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those - in both Japan and Brunei - who have made, and continue to make, great efforts to develop good bilateral relations in various fields," Mr Hashimoto added.

The Japanese Ambassador also said that in December last year, then Prime Minister Koizumi had agreed with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei that efforts would be made towards launching negotiations on the Japan-Brunei Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

He added, "Following talks between Foreign Minister Taro Aso and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah in May this year, intensive negotiations for the EPA started in June and much progress has been made towards the conclusion of the EPA."

Mr Hashimoto is confident that after the successful conclusion of the EPA, the Japan-Brunei relations will develop further. "We should also note the great roles which the Japanese imperial family and the Brunei royal family have contributed to our strong bilateral relations. There have been, and continue to be, imperial and royal visits between our two countries," he added.

The ambassador later expressed hopes that relations between both countries will be further enhanced under Japanese Prime Minister Abe's administration. The evening opened with the playing of the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Japan.

Later, the guest of honour and Japanese ambassador proceeded to cut the anniversary cake. The celebration included choir performances by Japanese students and students from Maktab Sains. Various songs were staged, among them; Oshogatsu, Rasa Sayang, Genki no shower and Mirai e.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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