Press Releases
Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
December 18, 2023
On December 18, commencing at 3:10 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister for Foreign Affairs II, Brunei Darussalam, who is visiting Japan to attend related events of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The overview is as follows.
- Opening Remarks
Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received during her visit to Brunei in October, and stated that the visit was meaningful as the two ministers confirmed their commitment to work closely to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to ensure a world where human dignity is protected. Minister Kamikawa also stated that she was pleased to welcome Minister Erywan to Japan and to have an opportunity to have a long conversation. In response, Minister Erywan expressed his appreciation for the welcome extended by the Japanese side, and the two ministers concurred to further deepen Japan-Brunei relations in various fields such as energy and health, as next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brunei and “Japan-Brunei Friendship Year”. - Bilateral Relations
Minister Kamikawa welcomed the mutual extension of visa waiver period from 14 to 30 days for ordinary passport holders and expressed her expectations that this will further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. In response, Minister Erywan expressed his desire to promote the bilateral cooperation in the areas of people-to-people exchange and human resource development.
Minister Kamikawa also expressed her desire to materialize cooperation towards energy transition and decarbonization based on the outcome of the “Asian Zero Emission Community”, including through support to the ASEAN Climate Change Center. Minister Kamikawa also stated that she would like to further enhance cooperation in the field of maritime security. In response, Minister Erywan expressed his hope to further promote cooperation with Japan in these areas. - Addressing Regional and International Challenges
The two ministers also exchanged views on various regional and international issues and confirmed that they will continue to work together on various issues such as the South China Sea and the situation in Israel and Gaza.
Minister Kamikawa strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of ICBM this morning, in addition to the launch of a ballistic missile, which constitute clear violation of UN Security Councill resolutions and pose threat to peace and stability of the region. The two ministers shared the view that it is important for the international community to uphold international law and to work together in dealing with North Korea.