Lyna Mohamad
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Eiji Yamamoto recently lauded Brunei’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak as “extremely effective”.
During a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday at the The Rizqun International Hotel, in conjunction with the Emperor of Japan’s 61st birthday, Yamamoto said, “Under the strong leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the response in Brunei has been extremely effective.
“We can’t be more grateful to Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jafaar, his team and the frontline health workers, for their hard work and dedication to keep the people of this country safe.”
The ambassador also said that Japan is sparing no efforts to support other countries in tackling the pandemic, with the country increasing its commitment and contributing USD200 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, while extending full support to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all.
“Japan is also working closely with ASEAN, and has declared that USD50 million would be allocated for establishing the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. And we have committed an additional USD1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund,” he added.
“I strongly believe we, as a humankind, will overcome this calamity soon. As Arnold J Toynbee, a prominent historian, once said, our civilisations grow by successfully responding to challenges.”
Congratulating Brunei on assuming ASEAN Chair for 2021, the ambassador noted that the theme ‘We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper’ is very timely and relevant.
“Now we focus on caring for those who suffer medically or economically out of COVID, but at the same time, we have to prepare now for post-COVID prosperity. Japan fully supports Brunei’s effort as the Chair of ASEAN this year.
“By overcoming these difficult circumstances, Japan would like to make this coming summer a special one where the government, along with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is fully committed to holding the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as scheduled, while attaching utmost priority to the health and safety of all athletes and audiences; and warmly welcome Bruneian athletes in Tokyo,” he said.
Yamamoto also highlighted that innovation is the key for post-pandemic prosperity and addressing climate change exactly requires innovations and inventions.
On this note, he disclosed, “Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that Japan will strive to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 to realise a carbon-neutral society. Japan will work together with other countries, including Brunei, and lead international efforts at this year’s COP26 and beyond, to realise a decarbonised world.
“In this connection, I’d like to touch upon Japan’s ambitious efforts in Brunei. In 2020, an association of Japanese companies called Advanced Hydrogen Energy Chain Association (AHEAD), in their Demonstration Project, successfully produced and transported hydrogen from Brunei to Japan. Hydrogen is a clean, efficient energy source for the next generation.
“Another green energy source, solar power, has been supported here in a collaboration between the Government of Brunei Darussalam and Mitsubishi Corporation. Japan will continue to support Brunei in its efforts to diversify its economy and create a green society.”
On the sports, cultural and educational exchange between Brunei and Japan, he said, “Despite the various impediments, many programmes and activities have still taken place, even virtually.”
Earlier, Yamamoto noted that the Emperor of Japan’s birthday falls on the same day as Brunei Darussalam’s National Day on February 23, saying, “This coincidence is a beautiful symbol of our countries’ friendship.”
He also acknowledged the affection and respect that many young Bruneians show for Japan.
“I hope the day will come soon when we can resume and expand our exchanges, including in particular, youth on whom our future depends,” he said.
In attendance at the event as a representative of His Majesty’s Government was Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham, and his spouse, Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee.