Friendship comes from close contact between the people, holding a key to sound state-to-state relations. Under the strategic guidance and care from the leaders of Brunei Darussalam and China, people-to-people exchanges are becoming increasingly close, and the bond of mutual understanding and friendship is growing stronger, Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo said.
He said this at the official launching of the return of direct flights from Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to Beijing, China at a ceremony at The Empire Brunei on Thursday.
According to data from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, he said, “The number of Chinese tourists to Brunei reached 39,007 in 2024, accounting for 14.5 per cent of the total air arrivals. China continues to optimise its policy on foreigners going to China and extends Bruneians to stay in China for 30 days without a visa.”
He added, “In March this year, Brunei also introduced a 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens.
“I am confident that with Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, Muara Port and other key projects under the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative and cooperation in areas such as hybrid rice, new energy and artificial intelligence, people-to-people exchanges will increase significantly. The recommencement of flights between the two capitals will surely create better conditions for promoting practical cooperation between China and Brunei, inject new momentum into the development of bilateral relations, and contribute to deepening the friendship between our two nations.”
Source: Borneo Bulletin
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May 27, 2025
