HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan yesterday highlighted the growing ties between the two countries.

At a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister in Tokyo, Japan, His Majesty delivered a titah and expressed delight in seeing economic relations between the two countries grow in strength, with Japan being one of Brunei’s main foreign investors and also the most important customer for oil and gas.

Accompanying His Majesty to the meeting held at the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Japan was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Bilateral co-operation, His Majesty said, has also been extended to education, agriculture and health, according to a press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office.

The press release stated, “There have also been increasing people-to-people exchanges especially amongst youth and a good level of interaction between officials of both countries.

“At regional level, Brunei and Japan also worked closely together through Asean and valued Japan’s support for Brunei’s Chairmanship of Asean.

“His Majesty also said that later this year Asean and Japan will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Asean-Japan dialogue partnership and His Majesty felt confident that these relations will continue to grow”.

His Majesty thanked the Japanese Prime Minister for the warm hospitality extended to His Majesty for the visit.

His Majesty concluded his titah by welcoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Brunei Darussalam later this year.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his remarks welcomed His Majesty and recalled the longstanding diplomatic relation established between both countries that has grown stronger.

The press release stated, “The establishment of diplomatic relation has weaved into many areas of co-operation and people-to-people contact including youths and government officials exchanges. On these memorandums of co-operation and with the signing of agreement in 2007, Japan will continue to strengthen the co-operation, especially in economic growth and youth development of both countries.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Japan will give its strong support and cooperation to Brunei Darussalam as the Chairman of Asean 2013 to achieve success with dialogue partners in the development of trade, investment, peace and prosperity of the region and the world.

The press release stated that the arrival of His Majesty was greeted by Kenichi Suganuma, the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty then proceeded to the Meeting Room.

Outside the Meeting Room, His Majesty was greeted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and both leaders then entered the Meeting Room.

Prior to the meeting, His Majesty consented to join a photo session.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests as well as regional and international matters.

After the meeting, His Majesty consented to proceed to the Small Banquet Hall for a Luncheon hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister.

Outside the Banquet Hall, His Majesty and the Japanese Prime Minister exchanged souvenirs, a model of a U2 Aeroplane and a traditional Japanese Yukata Kimono, and later proceeded to the Banquet Hall. - Borneo Bulletin (14 May 2013)