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 yesterday attended the 19th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit; and the 20th Asean-Japan Summit which were held at the Philippines International Convention Center, Manila.
The 19th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit
His Majesty first attended the 19th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit.
The Asean-Republic of Korea Summit began with welcoming remarks by Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chairman of Asean who welcomed Moon Jae-in, the President of the Republic of Korea to the Summit.
This was followed by a statement from the President of the Republic of Korea.
President Duterte then invited Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia as the Country Coordinator for Asean-Republic of Korea relations to convey the Asean Common Statement.
The 20th Asean-Japan Summit
Following the 19th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit, His Majesty then attended the 20th Asean-Japan Summit.
The Asean-Japan Summit began with welcoming remarks by President Duterte where he welcomed Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan to the Summit.
This was followed by a statement from the Prime Minister of Japan.
President Duterte then invited His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as the Country Coordinator for Asean-Japan relations to deliver an Asean Common Statement on behalf of the Asean member states.
Through the Statement, His Majesty acknowledged that Japan’s strong support of Asean has been invaluable to its overall development.
His Majesty then expressed appreciation for Japan’s contributions to Asean, especially through the Japan – Asean Integration Fund, which has supported over USD650 million worth of projects and activities.
His Majesty added that the heart-to-heart partnership shared between both sides was important in strengthening its future cooperation.
Asean looks forward to continuing the various exchange programmes such as JENESYS, which sought to build friendships and promote mutual understanding amongst the youth.
His Majesty expressed the view that there is much for Asean to learn from Japan on the latter’s experience in industrial development and new technology.
In this regard, His Majesty conveyed Asean’s appreciation for the Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure Initiative aimed at promoting connectivity, and commended the launch of the Asean-Japan Innovation Network.
His Majesty also highlighted the role of institutions such as the Asean-Japan Center and the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) in reinforcing the Asean – Japan economic partnership.
Furthermore, His Majesty expressed Asean’s confidence in the future of its relations with Japan, with the hope to continue developing the dynamic partnership and contribute to the regions’ progress.
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