Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Fumio Kishida, began his two-day working visit to Brunei Darussalam yesterday, which will pave the way to enhancing bilateral ties on mutual trust with the Sultanate as the Chair of Asean this year, according to the Japanese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam.

Japan actively supports the establishment of the Asean community by 2015 and also strengthens political dialogues and economic relations with the Sultanate through cooperation on economic diversification and job creations. Both nations also share common perceptions in the regional and international affairs.

The Japanese Minister is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. He will also meet with HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The delegate's visit to Southeast Asia also serves to further strengthen the long-standing friendly and cooperative relations with Asean member states that make up the growth centre of the 21st Century leading the world's economic growth. Both Japan and Asean cooperate for the prosperity of the region and utilise its growth towards Japan's recovery. The roles played by Asean member states are increasing as the Asia-Pacific regional strategic environment changes.

The working visit to Brunei also aims to enhance candid communications at the foreign ministerial level towards strengthening the Japan-Asean cooperation and partnership. The Japan-Asean Commemorative Summit will be held on December this year in Japan.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin