(Bandar Seri Begawan, 5th) The High Commission of Canada in Brunei held an iftar reception at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Chancellery Hall, attended by more than 180 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, media representatives, and other guests.
Guest of honor attendees included Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence Pehin Halbi and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Mohd Amin Liew.
In his welcoming speech, Canadian High Commissioner Tamer Mansy emphasized the longstanding friendly ties between the two countries, and especially highlighted Brunei’s important role as a founding member of ASEAN.
He also stated that Canada would continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, especially in the areas of trade, cultural exchange, and regional stability.
“From ASEAN dialogues to multilateral forums, we will continue to work constructively to create a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for the peoples of both countries and the world.”
The ambassador also expressed gratitude for the dates gifted by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, and shared his experience of celebrating Ramadan in Brunei for the first time. He described Ramadan as a month of reflection, generosity, and unity.
Regarding economic cooperation and development, he noted that the establishment of the Canada-Brunei Chamber of Commerce last year is a clear sign of the two countries’ growing commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said it would be a significant year for both countries. As Brunei celebrates major milestones including its 42nd National Day and His Majesty the Sultan’s 80th birthday, Canada will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches held in Toronto and Vancouver.
The upcoming World Cup is expected to be the largest in FIFA history, the first to apply a human rights framework, and the first jointly hosted by three countries.
The ambassador reiterated Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening the existing cooperation, dialogue, and friendship between Canada and Brunei.
In his welcoming speech, Canadian High Commissioner Tamer Mansy emphasized the longstanding friendly ties between the two countries, and especially highlighted Brunei’s important role as a founding member of ASEAN.
He also stated that Canada would continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, especially in the areas of trade, cultural exchange, and regional stability.
“From ASEAN dialogues to multilateral forums, we will continue to work constructively to create a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for the peoples of both countries and the world.”
The ambassador also expressed gratitude for the dates gifted by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, and shared his experience of celebrating Ramadan in Brunei for the first time. He described Ramadan as a month of reflection, generosity, and unity.
Regarding economic cooperation and development, he noted that the establishment of the Canada-Brunei Chamber of Commerce last year is a clear sign of the two countries’ growing commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said it would be a significant year for both countries. As Brunei celebrates major milestones including its 42nd National Day and His Majesty the Sultan’s 80th birthday, Canada will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches held in Toronto and Vancouver.
The upcoming World Cup is expected to be the largest in FIFA history, the first to apply a human rights framework, and the first jointly hosted by three countries.
The ambassador reiterated Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening the existing cooperation, dialogue, and friendship between Canada and Brunei.