May 7, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the following statement on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Brunei Darussalam:
“40 years ago, Canada established diplomatic relations with Brunei following the country’s independence. Our nations share a commitment to upholding fundamental principles in the Indo-Pacific region, including the rule of law, regional security and stability, trade and investment, and addressing climate change. We work together to promote these principles in multinational forums, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the World Trade Organization and the Commonwealth. Brunei and Canada are both members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and cooperate closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially following the launch of the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership in 2023.
“Our Indo-Pacific Strategy recognizes the critical role of the ASEAN region in shaping Canada’s future over the next half-century.
“We are growing our partnership with Brunei through our engagement across the region as an active and reliable partner. Since the launch of the strategy, we have expanded our diplomatic presence in the country to enhance cooperation. In September 2023, Canada was pleased to welcome Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Erywan Yusof. Canada will continue to work closely with Brunei to protect and uphold regional peace and security, and to build an economy that is stronger, more prosperous and greener for both peoples.
“On this important day, we reiterate our commitment to strengthening ties with Brunei. We look forward to building on this important partnership in the years to come.”
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