Japan-Brunei Relations
Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 5, 2022
On August 5, commencing at 1:30 p.m. local time (July 5, 3:30 p.m. Japan Time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting Cambodia to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, held a 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. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for Secretary Erywan’s condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, and stated that he would like to further strengthen the bilateral relations, guided by the will of former PM Abe. In response, Minister II Erywan reiterated his sincere condolence on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, and stated that he would work with Minister Hayashi to further enhance the bilateral cooperative relations.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to further enhance cooperation in energy including LNG supply, as well as security including through defense exchanges. The two ministers concurred to hold a high-level dialogue between the diplomatic authorities of the two countries. Minister Hayashi also stated that he would highly welcome it if the participation of the Royal Brunei Navy in the International Fleet Review is realized this year as the first port call by the Royal Brunei Navy to Japan. In response, Minister II Erywan concurred on what Minister Hayashi pointed out, and expressed his intention to continue to further enhance bilateral coordination in a wide range of areas. Furthermore, Minister II Erywan invited Minister Hayashi to visit Brunei Darussalam.
- The two ministers exchanged views on regional issues, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation surrounding Taiwan, the situation in the East and South China Seas, and the situation in Myanmar. The two ministers also affirmed that they would work together in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear, missiles, and abductions issues.
- Moreover, the two ministers confirmed to coordinate closely in tackling issues of the international community, such as strengthening of the functions of the entire UN, and free trade.