| James Kon |
FRANCE is interested in further strengthening bilateral ties with Brunei Darussalam in the field of tourism, technology and oil and gas.
This was revealed by a delegation of four French senators that concluded its first visit to the Sultanate Thursday.
Led by Senator Gerard Miquel, President of the France-South East Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, the delegation also included Senator Jean Claude Lenoir, Deputy President for Brunei’s branch; Senator Barnard Saugey, Deputy President for Thailand’s branch; and Senator Rimon Sutour, Deputy President for the Philippines’ branch.
During the visit, the French senators paid courtesy calls to Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education, where they had fruitful discussions.
In a press conference-cum-reception held at the French ambassador’s official residence on Thursday night, the visiting senators agreed that Brunei Darussalam has a lot to offer and they will definitely act as messengers of Brunei in France to further promote cooperation in various fields.
Senator Gerard Miquel said, “This is the first time we visited Brunei Darussalam and we are hoping to further build on cooperation and bilateral ties between France and Brunei as well as with Asean member countries.”
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, and Loan Forgeron, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam, with the visiting French senators. – JAMES KON
In the field of cooperation, Senator Gerard Miquel, who is also the Secretary of the Country Planning and Sustainable Development Committee, said that “it is very important to share technologies to learn from each (other). We also hope to further build on the tourism sector whereby people from Asean and France can learn each other’s tradition and heritage to bolster mutual understanding”.
He also expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the Asean member countries including Brunei Darussalam for the signing of the Paris climate change agreement, which he said will go a long way in preserving the natural environment and forest of the planet for the next generation.
“It is vital for all countries in the world to work together in the fight against climate change,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Jean Claude Lenoir was delighted to note that Alliance Française de Brunei is promoting the French language and culture among the people in the country.
Continuous exchanges between the people of France and Brunei can further boost cooperation in the field of renewable energy, especially solar, oil and gas as well as tourism.
Senator Jean Claude Lenoir highlighted that once back in France, the visiting senators will help spread information about Brunei among the French people to raise interest in investing or visiting Brunei.
Joining the French senators at the reception event with Loan Forgeron, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam, were Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and officials from the ministry.
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