Japan envoy lauds effective response

AMBASSADOR of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Eiji Yamamoto recently lauded Brunei’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak as “extremely effective”.

During a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday at the The Rizqun International Hotel, in conjunction with the Emperor of Japan’s 61st birthday, Yamamoto said, “Under the strong leadership of 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, the response in Brunei has been extremely effective.

“We can’t be more grateful to Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jafaar, his team and the front line health workers, for their hard work and dedication to keep the people of this country safe.”

The ambassador also said that Japan is sparing no efforts to support other countries in tackling the pandemic, with the country increasing its commitment and contributing US$200mil (RM807mil) to the Covax Advance Market Commitment, while extending full support to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all.

“Japan is also working closely with Asean, and has declared that US$50mil (RM201mil) would be allocated for establishing the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. And we have committed an additional US$1mil (RM4mil) to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund,” he added.

“I strongly believe we, as a humankind, will overcome this calamity soon. As Arnold J Toynbee, a prominent historian, once said, our civilisations grow by successfully responding to challenges.”