Brunei–United Kingdom relations

Brunei–United Kingdom relations

Brunei	United Kingdom
Diplomatic mission
High Commission	High Commission
Envoy
High Commissioner Norazmi Muhammad	High Commissioner John Virgoe

High Commission of Brunei in London

The Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have formal diplomatic relations. Brunei has a High Commission in London, and United Kingdom has a High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan.^[1] Both countries are members of the Commonwealth and share history and have a friendly and strong relationship, dating back to the 19th century - which includes very strong friendships between both countries' monarchs and royal families.

Education relations

In 2014, there were 1,700–2,000 Bruneians studying in the United Kingdom and there is a connection between both countries' universities, with the United Kingdom being a popular choice for many Bruneians to study in.^[1][2]

Economic relations

In economics, the United Kingdom and Brunei have a bilateral trading relationship. The exports from Brunei to the United Kingdom total about £100 million. The United Kingdom is also actively engaged in encouraging small businesses from Brunei to take their products into international markets.^[3] The United Kingdom has signed the accession protocol to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership,a trade bloc which Brunei is already a part of, which would further enhance and build upon the trading relationship amongst the United Kingdom and Brunei.^[4][5]

Security relations

There are very strong defence relations that date back before the independence of Brunei from the British Empire.^[6] The United Kingdom operates a garrison in Brunei, which has British Army and Royal Air Force personnel, which cooperate and help regularly with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. This defence cooperation includes equipment sales, training, military and intelligence exchanges and assistance and the sharing of experiences.^[7] The Sultan of Brunei himself is an honorary Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force and an honorary Admiral of the Royal Navy.^[8]

See also

• Accession of the United Kingdom to CPTPP
• Foreign relations of Brunei
• Foreign relations of the United Kingdom
• Free trade agreements of the United Kingdom
• Politics of Brunei
• Politics of the United Kingdom

References

1. "Brunei-United Kingdom Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Brunei). Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
2. Hakim Hayat (5 October 2013). "NEW BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER LAUDS STRONG EDUCATION LINK BETWEEN BRUNEI, UK". BruDirect. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
3. Ying Chia (15 July 2010). "UK to maintain 'solid bilateral relations' with Brunei". The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
4. "UK takes major step towards membership of Trans-Pacific free trade area". GOV.UK. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
5. "'A significant milestone for UK trade': Britain signs deal to join £12trn Indo-Pacific trading block". Sky News. 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
6. Rabiatul Kamit (4 May 2012). "Brunei-UK bolster defence relations". The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
7. Idris Matzin (28 October 2010). "BRUNEI DARUSSALAM-UK DEFENCE RELATIONS ENHANCE". Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam. Archived from the original on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
8. The Air Force list, 2006. [Place of publication not identified]: TSO. 2006. ISBN 0-11-773038-6. OCLC 655307582.