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 highlighted the importance of cooperation between Asean and economic powerhouses China and Japan.

Delivering a titah at the 19th Asean-China Summit to Commemorate the 25th anniversary of Asean-China Dialogue Relations in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Majesty spoke of, among others, the importance of cooperation and collaboration between Asean and China to achieve the trade and investment targets by 2020.

His Majesty said initiatives such as One Belt, One Road and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, have helped Asean develop its infrastructure and enhance connectivity. With regard to the AseanChina Free Trade Agreement, His Majesty suggested to look at more ways to further realise the benefits of the agreement, and with the Asean-China Year of Tourism Cooperation next year, new economic opportunities can be explored.

The Joint Statement on Production Capacity Cooperation will further encourage private sector engagement.

His Majesty also highlighted ways in which cooperation and collaboration can be deepened. Firstly, by addressing environmental issues including climate change and work to realise the commitments in the Paris Accord.

Secondly, by encouraging greater information and intelligence sharing among the relevant agencies, in light of growing transnational security challenges including terrorism.

Thirdly, to continue to promote greater people-to-people exchanges. In this regard, His Majesty commended China's efforts in enhancing educational exchanges, especially during this year's Asean-China Year for Educational Exchange.

Brunei Darussalam is also pleased to be the Country of Honour at next year's Expo in Nanning, and looks forward to working closely with China.

His Majesty stated that 2016 also marks the 25th anniversary of Brunei-China relations. With continued friendship and cooperation, His Majesty believed that the strategic bilateral and regional partnership will continue to be elevated.

The Asean-China Summit began with welcoming remarks by Thongloun Sisoulith, the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Chairman of Asean, who welcomed the heads of state and government of Asean and the People's Republic of China. This was followed by a statement from Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Thongloun Sisoulith then invited Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore as the Country Coordinator for Asean-China Relations to convey his statement.

After the 19th Asean-China Summit to Commemorate the 25th anniversary of Asean-China Dialogue Relations, His Majesty attended the 19th Asean-Japan Summit that began with welcoming remarks by Thongloun Sisoulith who welcomed the heads of state and government of Asean and Japan. This was followed by a statement from Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.

Thongloun Sisoulith then invited His Majesty to deliver a titah as Brunei Darussalam is the Country Coordinator for Asean-Japan Relations.

His Majesty appreciated Japan's support for Asean's community building for integration and narrowing development gap through the Asean Integration Fund. In this regard, Asean looks forward to exploring potential projects which will add value to the existing cooperation on connectivity.

On areas of cooperation to be strengthened, His Majesty emphasised economic cooperation through the economic partnership agreement and the 10-year cooperation roadmap, as well as achieving sustainable development through capacity building and academia collaboration.

His Majesty recognised the important role of Asean-Japan Centre in promoting and facilitating trade, investment and tourism between Asean and Japan, and valued ERIA's support towards Asean integration strategies.

His Majesty also emphasised cooperation in people-to-people and cultural exchanges, to nurture mutual understanding and trust as well as deepen the bond of friendship between Asean and Japan.

His Majesty highlighted the cooperation in combatting terrorism and transnational crimes. In this regard, His Majesty expressed hope for officials to work closely to effectively implement the activities under the Work Plan to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime.

After the 19th Asean-Japan Summit, His Majesty attended a luncheon hosted by Thongloun Sisoulith in honour of the Asean heads of state and government attending the 28th and 29th Asean Summits and Related Summits.

Earlier in the day, His Majesty attended the Retreat Session of the 29th Asean Summit where His Majesty and other leaders discussed issues on cooperation as well as exchanged views on regional and international matters.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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