| Khal Baharulalam |
THE official designation of November 5 as World Tsunami Day by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly was the main highlight of the celebrations at The Rizqun International Hotel, last night, marking the 82nd birthday of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito.
The Japanese-submitted resolution, which was co-sponsored by Brunei among other countries, was mentioned in a speech delivered by Noriko Iki, the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
Present at the event as the guest of honour was the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, and his spouse.
As Japanese companies exhibited their merchandise during the reception, Noriko Iki said, “I strongly believe that these Japanese companies can contribute to the development and diversification of Brunei’s economy, particularly in creating job opportunities.”
Earlier on, she noted the growing development of the Japan-Brunei bilateral relationship due to Brunei’s “natural resources being converted into wealth, through the advanced technologies of Japanese companies as well as marketing techniques.”
The Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colo-nel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, and his spouse during the cake-cutting ceremony with Noriko Iki, the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam
A section of invited guests during the celebration. – PHOTOS: MUIZ MATDANI
“We would also like to seek Japan’s further contribution in the field of vocational training in Brunei, and next year will see the launching of a new factory, invested by Japanese companies,” she said.
The mutual co-operation between the two countries is evident in aspects of education with Japanese universities and the Sultanate’s Universiti Brunei Darussalam, collaborating through research toward the socio-economic development of Brunei.
Last night’s celebrations commenced with the playing of the Brunei and Japanese national anthems, after which Noriko Iki delivered her remarks. This was then followed by the cake-cutting ceremony, by the guest of honour, and his spouse.
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