My warm greetings to esteemed readers from the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Tokyo.
At the outset, I would like to convey my thanks to The Japan Times for arranging special supplements for each Association of Southeast Asian Nations member state as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year in the lead-up to the Commemorative Summit in December.
With origins tracing back to Japan’s postwar reconstruction and its focus on fostering diplomatic ties in Asia during the 1950s and 1960s, the relationship between ASEAN and Japan has evolved significantly over the past five decades into a robust partnership that encompasses political, economic and cultural dimensions. Since the beginning of ASEAN-Japan diplomatic engagement in 1973, Japan’s use of its economic strength, technological advancements, and willingness to invest in the region have been instrumental in building trust, goodwill and strong cooperation.
Over the years, the ASEAN-Japan partnership has grown steadily, based on common interests and shared values. Japan’s commitment to peace, stability and development in the Southeast Asian region has made it an important partner for ASEAN. In 1977, Japan joined the ASEAN Regional Forum, further solidifying its presence in regional security discussions.
Brunei Darussalam has maintained a unique and progressive relationship with Japan, a regional and global powerhouse, both bilaterally and multilaterally as a member of ASEAN, a regional organization formed in 1967 with the aim of promoting economic and political cooperation, as well as stability in the Southeast Asian region.
Japan’s engagement with ASEAN as a whole is driven by its interest in promoting regional stability and economic growth. In this context, Brunei Darussalam has been a constructive partner.
Brunei Darussalam and Japan have developed multifaceted relations that encompass economic cooperation, political partnerships and cultural exchanges. Brunei Darussalam’s relations with Japan are anchored in economic cooperation, with trade forming a crucial component of the partnership. Japan is one of Brunei Darussalam’s top trading partners, and economic ties have grown significantly over the years, particularly in the form of exports of oil and liquefied natural gas to Japan, while Japan exports a variety of manufactured goods and machinery to Brunei.
Japan’s interest in Brunei Darussalam’s energy resources, particularly LNG, is of strategic importance to its energy security, and Brunei Darussalam’s reliable supply of LNG has helped to reduce Japan’s dependence on less stable regions for energy sources.
Investment is another key aspect of economic cooperation between the two nations, with Japanese companies having made substantial investments in Brunei Darussalam’s energy sector. These investments have not only strengthened economic ties, but also facilitated technology transfers and local skill development.
Within the ASEAN framework, Brunei Darussalam and Japan have also cooperated on various political-security issues. Japan has continually expressed its support for ASEAN’s efforts in maintaining a rules-based international order and addressing regional issues through diplomatic means. Japan’s commitment to ASEAN’s principles aligns with Brunei Darussalam’s interests in preserving regional peace and stability.
Cultural exchanges between Brunei Darussalam and Japan have also played a vital role in the strengthening of relations. Both nations have sought to deepen their understanding of each other’s cultures and traditions. These exchanges have fostered people-to-people connections and enhanced mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
This includes tourism and educational exchanges, where the two-way flow of visitors has been growing. In terms of education, Bruneian students have pursued their higher education in Japan, benefiting from the country’s world-class institutions. Programs that host people from ASEAN across various fields of cooperation, such as the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths, continue to play pivotal roles in developing closer people-to-people ties.
Looking to the future, there are many more opportunities for Brunei Darussalam and Japan to work together, including those that come with the evolving regional geopolitical landscape and the need to ensure the sustainability of economic ties amid the challenges presented by climate change.
In conclusion, Brunei Darussalam greatly values Japan’s support and commitment to ASEAN based on heart-to-heart understanding, trust and respect. As a member of ASEAN, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to commemorating this auspicious occasion to advance the golden friendship shared with Japan and seize golden opportunities to further advance the ASEAN-Japan partnership.
Download the PDFs of this ASEAN-Japan 50th anniversary Special
