BRUNEI-MUARA

BERSATU Association’s contributions were recognised as it received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation Award last night.

Bersatu is the alumni association for the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSYEAP) – a programme that fosters friendship among youths of Japan and Southeast Asian nations.

Presenting the certificate was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Noriko Iki to BERSATU Association President Hj Jailani Hj Ibrahim aboard the Nippon Maru Ship at the Muara Port.

Iki, in her speech, said Japan and Brunei had built a cooperative relationship on mutual trust with Brunei in numerous areas since diplomatic relations were established in 1984.

“Tonight is one of the events to celebrate this 30th anniversary year of the establishment of Japan-Brunei diplomatic relations. I appreciate that we have built a trustful relationship for 30 years, thus I hope that we can further strengthen and develop our ties,” she said.

Touching on Bersatu, Iki said that the association has made significant contributions toward mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Brunei.

“Since Bersatu was established in 1985, it has supported SSYEAP for 29 years. Bersatu has worked on projects for social services such as cleaning, planting and supporting cultural events of the Japanese Embassy,” Iki said.

“On this occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan has decided to give the award called the Foreign Minister’s Commendations to Bersatu in recognition for its distinguished service over the years.”

She said the Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendations Award was only awarded to those who acquired outstanding achievements in international fields and made long-time commitment to friendships between Japan and other countries.

“I believe efforts made by Bersatu are completely worthy of the commendation. I hope this award will encourage Bersatu to further promote Japan-Brunei friendship.”

Bersatu President Hj Jailani in his speech said it was a great honour for the association to receive the Certificate of Commendation.

“It is proof that the SSYEAP alumni are fully recognised by the Government of Japan for their invaluable contribution to SSYEAP and Japan-Brunei friendship,” he said.

Hj Jailani also credited that the Japan-Brunei friendship promotion would not have been possible without the support of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam particularly the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

He thanked MCYS for its invaluable cooperation to support youth associations in Brunei including Bersatu by giving the opportunity to join SSYEAP Country Programme.

He also relayed the Bruneians youths’ gratitude to Japan and its people for initiating and funding SSYEAP.

“Those of you not familiar with SSYEAP, I wish you to get to know all the good things about SSYEAP through interactions with participants on board,” he said.

The Brunei Times