Source: Borneo Bulletin, Mar 8 2022

Ambassador-Designate of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru hosted a reception to celebrate the 62nd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, at the Rizqun International Hotel last evening.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was the guest of honour.

The event began with a welcoming speech from Ambassador Designate Meada who touched upon the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Brunei since Brunei’s independence in 1984.

He said the Japan-Brunei partnership was elevated to a new height last year through cooperation in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan-ASEAN partnership under Brunei’s chairmanship and enhanced defence cooperation.

Looking into the future, he foresees countless opportunities to expand and deepen the bilateral cooperation through contributing to Brunei’s efforts to diversify its economy through the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy. The Japan-Brunei partnership on regional as well as global issues has become increasingly important, he added.

The event also featured exhibitions showcasing achievements and current activities from Japanese companies operating in the Sultanate.