Greetings from Ambassador MAEDA Toru

　　　My name is MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam. It is my honour to serve in the country of Abode of Peace, rich with natural and cultural heritage. Japan and Brunei have successfully developed cordial relationship since Brunei’s independence in 1984. The relations have expanded in wide ranging areas including government, economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchange. It is also important to note that the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Brunei have close and enduring bonds.

　　　Upon arrival, I would first like to express my sincere respect for the efforts made by the Government and the people of Brunei in fighting against COVID-19. Our embassy would like to further strengthen public health cooperation between Japan and Brunei, in addition to our contributions of vaccines and masks. I would also like to extend my highest appreciation to Brunei's role as Chair of ASEAN this year and for its close cooperation with Japan. Through cooperation with Brunei, I also look forward to enhancing our partnership with ASEAN as an important player for international cooperation in Asia. We are also eager to contribute to various forms of multilateral cooperation in this region.

　　　Brunei has been a key country that has supported Japan's energy demands for many years, and we are committed to strengthening the stability of this relationship. At the same time, the Government of Japan would like to contribute to the diversification of the Brunei economy promoted by the Government of Brunei, through human resource development, technical cooperation, investment promotion and other various measures.

　　　We are very grateful that many Bruneians feel close to Japan and Japanese people. There has been a wide range of exchanges between our two countries. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah graced the enthronement ceremony of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito in the year before last. Bruneian athletes participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held this year. Youth exchanges manage to continue even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mutual visits of government officials are becoming more active than ever. We will make continued efforts to deepen and expand such exchanges.

　　　Currently, around 170 Japanese people live in Brunei. Investments and activities of Japanese companies in Brunei make great contributions to the country's economy including job creation. Our embassy will do our utmost to ensure that Japanese people and Japanese companies can live safely and thrive in Brunei.

　　　During my mission, I would like to do my best, and humbly request your guidance and cooperation, in order to build even stronger ties between Japan and Brunei Darussalam.