BILATERAL relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan have reached a new high following the unveiling of a logo to celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of Brunei-Japan relations by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a joint press conference at South Conference Room of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office / Residence in Tokyo, Japan.

The design of the logo came from a Japanese designer who used the national flowers of both Brunei Darussalam (Simpur) and Japan (Sakura).

During the press conference, His Majesty in a titah highlighted that the meeting has given a good opportunity for both sides to review the excellent bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan.

His Majesty also expressed his delight over the progress of bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, youth and education, as well as the long-standing ties with Japan, particularly in the field of energy.

The renewal of the LNG contract last April is a reflection of the close rapport and mutual trust between the two countries, according to His Majesty.

Looking forward, His Majesty hoped to build upon these ties and develop partnerships in new industries, including small and medium enterprises, as well as alternative and renewable energy.

His Majesty also appreciated Japan’s continued efforts in promoting friendship and understanding between youths of both countries, noting that various programmes have brought the younger generation together and fostered strong bonds of friendship between them.

According to His Majesty, these close personal ties, have continued to develop over the years.

Next year, His Majesty said, the two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.

His Majesty expressed his delight that officials from both countries are working closely together on a number of activities to commemorate this important event, noting that the past 30 years have seen the cooperation expanded both in depth and scope.

His Majesty also expressed his confidence that both sides will continue to enhance both the personal friendship and much-valued bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, on the regional front, His Majesty expressed his happiness over the excellent relations between Asean and Japan.

For the past 40 years, Japan has played an important role in Asean’s community building process, noted His Majesty. In view of this, His Majesty expressed his appreciation over Japan’s continued dedication and support to Asean and is confident that under the Japanese prime minister’s leadership, these relations will continue to prosper in the coming years.

His Majesty concluded his titah by thanking the Japanese prime minister for hosting the meeting and said he was looking forward to fruitful discussions at the Commemorative Summit.

The Japanese prime minister, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for the outstanding leadership as Asean chair, which has led to closer ties between Japan and Asean in every aspect in the last 12 months.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty three times this year to (work on harnessing) closer ties between Japan and Brunei, as well as Japan and Asean,” he said, adding that both His Majesty and him have confirmed to work together as co-chair for today’s special summit meeting, which is a “crowning event” for the 40th anniversary of Japan-Asean friendship and cooperation.

Recalling his visit to Brunei, the prime minister said he enjoyed his time visiting the Water Village, which touched his heart with its richness in nature and culture.

According to him, its landscape could be likened to the typical old country homes in Japan.

Noting that Brunei and Japan will be celebrating 30th anniversary of forging formal bilateral diplomatic relations, the prime minister said, “His Majesty and I have agreed to work more actively in bilateral exchanges on this commemorative occasion and more cooperation in energy, economic and defence.”

The prime minister also said that the two leaders exchanged views on cooperation in addressing regional issues.

“I also explained the security policy of Japan,” Abe added.

Elaborating on the design of the logo, which features both national flowers crossing each other, the prime minister said it was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Japan and Brunei.

“I hope that the bilateral friendship and cooperation will continue to flourish,” he said prior to unveiling the logo with Abe.

Accompanying His Majesty yesterday were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office; Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office; and, other senior government officers. - Borneo Bulletin (14 December 2013)