Countries & Regions

On Wednesday, October 9, commencing at 9:00 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during his visit to Brunei Darussalam to attend the ASEAN-related summit meetings (Note: the 8th ASEAN country Prime Minister Abe visited since taking office), held a Japan-Brunei summit meeting with His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Since one of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s hobbies is badminton, Prime Minister Abe presented His Majesty a Japanese badminton racket.

An overview of the meeting is as follows.

 

Prime Minister Abe stated that he was pleased to visit Brunei following His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s visit to Japan last May, appreciated efforts and leadership by His Majesty in this important year, which marks the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and was looking forward to welcoming His Majesty in Japan on the occasion of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting to be held this December. In response to this, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei and stated that he was looking forward to the Commemorative Summit Meeting in December.

 

(1) In terms of economy, Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for stable supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Brunei over many years and requested continuous stable supply of the gas in the future as well. At the same time, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would contribute to Brunei’s efforts of diversification of industry and job creation and advance cooperation utilizing Japan’s technology in fields including renewable energy and energy conservation. His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah stated that he would like to continue enhancing good economic relations with Japan, including cooperation in the field of energy.

(2) On people-to-people exchanges, Prime Minister Abe stated that he hoped to invite many young people from Brunei to Japan through the “JENESYS 2.0 program” and the two leaders shared the view that they would promote exchanges between the two countries in various levels to celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brunei next year together.

(3) Moreover, Prime Minister Abe welcomed Brunei’s revision of import restrictions on Japanese products to Brunei* and at the same time requested future cooperation for more popularization of Japanese food products.

* Effective from October 2, import prohibition on products from eight prefectures including Fukushima Prefecture was eased to the prohibition on products only from Fukushima Prefecture. 

 

(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his respect to the efforts made by His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as the chair of ASEAN this year and stated that Japan would provide necessary support for the success of the ASEAN-related summit meetings. Moreover, regarding the issue concerning the South China Sea, Prime Minister Abe stated the basic stance of the Government of Japan that all the concerned countries should observe relevant international laws and refrain from unilateral actions, and pointed out that the unity of the ASEAN countries would be important. The Prime Minister confirmed coordination between the two countries in the future for peace and stability of the region. In addition, the two leaders shared the view that they would closely coordinate for the success of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting to be held this December as co-chairmen of the meeting.

(2) On relations with North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that the Abe Administration emphasizes resolution of the abduction issue and requested continued understanding and cooperation. In response, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his intention to continue his cooperation, stating that he understood the importance of the abduction issue for the Government of Japan.