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30 Years of Diplomatic Relations

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30 Years of Diplomatic Relations 30 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS It is gratifying that the diplomatic relations between Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family Japan and Brunei Darussalam marks the 30th of Brunei Darussalam are tied by strong bond. Anniversary this year. When His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and Her Majesty Raja Isteri For the last 30 years, Japan and Brunei Darussalam Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha visited Japan last May, have built amicable relations and have had Their Majesties Emperor and Empress invited them exchanges at high level. Last year, Brunei for tea. Darussalam played a very important role as the chair of ASEAN, in the meantime, our leaders and Diplomacy by parliamentarians is also active. Foreign Ministers visited each other’s countries. I The Japan-Brunei Parliamentarians’ League for myself had a chance to visit Brunei Darussalam Promotion of Friendship, which was established twice within the last year and observed Kampong one year before the establishment of our diplomatic Ayer, which is known as the traditional scenery of relations, has contributed to promote our bilateral Brunei and the rich tropical rainforest. I want the relations significantly. Japanese people to know much more about the splendor of Brunei Darussalam. In the economic field, Japan invests in the Welcoming the 30th petrochemical plants and cooperates in the energy- The cooperation in the field of energy is the saving field in Brunei Darussalam. Moreover, our Anniversary of the foundation of our amicable bilateral relations. bilateral relations have become closer and closer establishment of Japan’s import of energy resources from Brunei based on various types of exchanges such as youth Darussalam dates back to 40 years ago, which exchange including JENESYS 2.0 program and Ship Diplomatic Relations was before the establishment of our diplomatic for South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP), between Japan and relations. When Japan was struck by the Great East exchange by local governments, academic Japan Earthquake, the Bruneian people sent warm exchange and assistance by private organizations. Brunei Darussalam messages of sympathy and supplied emergency LNG to Japan. They helped the Japanese people During this year, which marks our 30th anniversary tremendously. Taking this opportunity, I would like of diplomatic relations, I am determined to raise our to express my deepest appreciation for the support. bilateral relations to a higher level by promoting our people’s mutual understanding and strengthen Fumio Kishida The Exchange between Japan and Brunei our cooperation for the peace and stability of the Foreign Minister of Japan Darussalam has been active in various fields. The region. The deepening Japan-Brunei Japan: an island nation with Brunei: the abode of peace, relationship a unique culture, a leader in a land with rich natural Asia and the international resources, working to promote A solid bilateral relationship was built up between Japan and Brunei more than ten community economic diversification years prior to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, founded on a stable supply A country comprising four main islands and Although Brunei contains a land area of less than of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum as many as 7,000 smaller ones, Japan has long approximately one-sixtieth and a population of to Japan. Since the establishment of their fostered a unique culture, one that since ancient less than one-three-hundredth that of Japan, it diplomatic relationship, Japan and Brunei times has incorporated Chinese and Korean has been blessed with natural resources such have expanded and deepened the relations in culture, and more recently American and as petroleum and natural gas, and has been a number of areas stretching from technical European culture since the Meiji Restoration. promoting social welfare programs that have cooperation to education, youth exchange and Experiencing truly astounding economic realized a high standard of living for its people. culture. Today, Japan and Brunei have become growth after World War II, Japan has grown to Since becoming independent in 1984, Brunei indispensable partners. be one of the world’s most influential economic has maintained high-economic growth by powers, a nation of advanced technology, and a utilizing its rich natural resources and domestic When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck leader in Asia and the international community. stability under the governance of His Majesty in March 2011, the Government and people While Japan has struggled with such issues as the Sultan. Presently, Brunei is also promoting of Brunei were quick to reach out and support deflation, global economic fluctuations and a the diversification of its industries and Japan. As is often said, “A friend in need, is a strong yen since the 1990s, the achievements development of human resources in order to friend indeed.” With both sides working to of the economic policies known as “Abenomics” reduce its dependence on oil and gas. Japanese create a relationship that can truly be called one are now leading Japan back to steady economic companies have been actively contributing to of “friends indeed,” Brunei and Japan continue growth. Japan continues to face a variety of business operations and job creation in the to walk hand-in-hand toward the future. problems stemming from the Great East Japan oil and gas sector as well as in new industrial Earthquake of March 2011, but the people of fields. Expectations are high for the further Japan are now working together as one nation strengthening of cooperation between Japan for reconstruction. Moreover, with plans now in and Brunei. place for the holding of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, hopes are rising for the revival of Japan. Upon resuming independence in 1984 Brunei It has led over the past 10 years to an increasingly Darussalam defined its foreign policy. important emphasis on economic, technical and educational development. The most far-reaching “In her foreign policy, its principle purposes and development to date came in 2007 with the objectives are the maintenance of international signing of the Brunei-Japan Economic Partnership peace and security, the development of friendly Agreement. This was followed in 2011 by the relations among nations based on sovereign construction of the ‘Tenaga Suria Brunei’ Power equality, respect for territorial integrity, non- Generation Plant, fully funded by Mitsubishi interference in the internal affairs of other states Corporation to help Brunei with its clean energy and settlement of disputes by peaceful means” initiative. It was in this spirit of friendship and respect that Our 30 years together has thus laid a foundation we met on 2 April to establish diplomatic relations for a future of friendship, goodwill and very with our neighbors in Japan. important partnership. We value it greatly and present our warmest respects to His Imperial That spirit has steadily grown in strength and Majesty, the Royal Family and the Government Message on the purpose for the last 30 years. and People of Japan. 30th Anniversary of The first 20 years of our relations, from 1985-2005, Friendship saw our people gaining common understanding and great appreciation of each other’s culture, between history and ways of life. We brought our young Brunei Darussalam people together and we shared our customs, ceremonies, arts and sports. and Japan It was all done in a practical way. We learned each other’s tastes in food. We practiced each other’s customs. We played each other’s games and we HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah listened to each other’s music. It was a wonderful Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade experience for us all and involved many visits and Brunei Darussalam exchanges. JAPAN Land Area Major Language 377,955 km2 Japanese Population Major Religion 127 million (Estimate of 2013) Shinto, Buddhism Capital Currency Tokyo Yen (As of Dec 2013, ¥ 100 = B$ 1.2 or US$ 1) Political System Number of Bruneians living in Japan Constitutional Monarchy 41 persons (As of Dec 2012. (Parliamentary Cabinet System) Source: Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Japan) BRUNEI Land Area Major Language 5,765 km2 Malay, English Population Major Religion 410 thousand (Estimate of 2013) Islam (79%), Christianity (9%), Buddhism (8%) Capital Currency Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei dollar (As of Dec 2013, B$1= ¥82 or US$ 0.8) Political System Number of Japanese living in Brunei Constitutional Monarchy 146 persons (As of October 2013. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) • In May, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone • On January 1, Brunei becomes completely independent from the United Kingdom. IN JAPAN - BRUNEI RELATIONS becomes the rst Japanese Prime Minister to • In April, Japan and Brunei establish diplomatic relations, and His Majesty the Sultan and MILESTONES visit Brunei. Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visits Japan as an ofcial state guest. • The Japan-Brunei Parliamentary Friendship • In June, Japan establishes the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam. Promotion League is established. • In September, the Japan-Brunei Friendship Association is established in Tokyo. Japan begins to import oil from Brunei. Brunei LNG is established as a joint venture between a Japanese company, the Government of • In July, Japan opens a Government ofce in Brunei, and Shell Oil Company, and begins exporting liqueed natural gas (LNG). Brunei 1969 1972 1983 1984 1996 1985 In September, Their The Japanese Association is Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Government of In June, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito attends Imperial Highnesses established in Brunei. Brunei donates US$1 million to Japan and transfers US$372,458 Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visits the wedding of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Prince and Princess (approx. 23.84 million yen) as private sector donations. The 2009 Japan to sign the Japan-Brunei Economic Al-Muhtadee Billah. • Agreement between Japan Hitachi become the first Government of Brunei also provides Japan with an emergency Partnership Agreement (EPA).
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