HER ROYAL HIGHNESS Princess Hjh Masna, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday met Japanese Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Osamu Uno at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Subok.

The two leaders discussed Brunei-Japan bilateral relations and exchanged views on a number of regional and international affairs.

Osamu Uno earlier arrived in Brunei on a two-day official visit.

The friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Japan, enhanced by the close relations between the Japanese imperial family and Brunei's royal family, has been strong since both countries first established diplomatic relations in 1984. The two countries are cooperating in trade, economy, culture, politics and personnel exchanges in terms of education and youth exchange programmes.

The relations between the two countries were further strengthened by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's visit to Japan in June last year.

His Majesty had stated that Brunei was looking at strategies to encourage the adoption of energy efficient technology and practices. In this regard, His Majesty said that Brunei was pleased to work closely with Japan and appreciated its support.

His Majesty was pleased that several Asean countries, including Brunei Darussalam, have signed their respective bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements with Japan, which will help elevate their respective relations and strengthen regional economic cooperation. Brunei-Japan Friendship Association is also trying to bring both nations closer by strengthening their cultural relations.

The association was formed in March 1985 to improve bilateral ties. (HAN1)

The Brunei Times