The Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam and Closing Ceremony of China-Brunei Year of Tourism 2020, co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei, supported by the Embassy of China in Brunei and the Embassy of Brunei in China, was held virtually on 27th December, 2021. H.E. Mr. Hu Heping, Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, and H.E. Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei delivered pre-recorded remarks. H.E. Madam Yu Hong, Ambassador of China, and H.E. Pehin Haji Abdu’r Rahmani, Ambassador of Brunei delivered speeches live online. Mr. Xie Jinying, Director-General of the Bureau of the International Exchanges and Cooperation of Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, and Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Dahliana binti Haji Aliakbar, Acting Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei, and over 160 guests from governments, tourism industries and meida of the two countries joined the celebration.
H.E. Mr. Hu Heping said that holding the China-Brunei Year of Tourism is an important consensus reached by H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China, and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, serving a new platform and opportunity to deepen tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Brunei to implement the instructions of the two leaders by bringing about stronger cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation that are more extensive, smooth and substantive, and contribute to the growth of bilateral relations, the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the building of an Asian community with a shared future.
H.E. Dato Ali stated that Brunei-China relations are deeply rooted in history and have developed gradually in various areas over the years. Brunei is grateful for the virtual training program for Brunei local tour guides organized by China, and the support for Royal Brunei Airlines to operate in many cities in China. Brunei looks forward to strengthening the collaboration through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and to warmly welcome tourists from China to visit Brunei.
H.E. Yu Hong emphasized that today’s event would bring a successful conclusion to this year’s series of celebrations between the two countries as well as the China-Brunei Year of Tourism 2020. H.E. President Xi Jinping and His Majesty the Sultan co-chaired the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Both sides agreed to elevate the ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. China-ASEAN relations have ushered in a brighter prospect. As a Malay proverb goes, Jauh di Mata, Dekat di Hati (“Far away in the sky but close to the heart” ). Although the pandemic has hindered us from celebrating face-to-face, it cannot stop the kind wishes of both peoples to deepen mutual understanding. Let us look forward to a new spring for China’s and Brunei’s tourism industry which will make new contributions to the post-pandemic recovery of our two countries.
H.E. Pehin Rahmani said that the two countries have established cooperation and collaboration across many areas, including tourism, direct flights connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure and many others. The Brunei-China Year of Tourism 2020 provided an added value to the bilateral cooperation and friendship. Brunei expressed gratitude to the government and enterprises of China for the generous donation of vaccines and medical supplies, and looks forward to working closely with China to strengthen the relationship towards a better and brighter future for many generations of the two countries.
Gala Performance recorded by art groups from both countries were presented.