Australia–Brunei relations

Australia–Brunei relations
Map indicating locations of Australia and Brunei

Australia
Brunei
Diplomatic mission
High CommissionHigh Commission
Envoy
High Commissioner Garry Ramlee IbrahimHigh Commissioner Luke Arnold
Australian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan

Australia and Brunei established diplomatic relations in 1984. Australia has a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei has a high commission in Canberra.[1]

History

Relations between the two of the countries can be traced back during World War II when the Australian Army played a crucial role to liberating Brunei from Japanese occupation in 1945.[2] While the present relations between the two countries were established since 1984 when Australia became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Brunei.[1][2][3] Both countries had enjoyed a warm relationship before 1959 when Brunei achieved self-government.[4] Now, the relations were mainly focused to defence and security, education, as well as on trade.[4]

Economic relations

Monthly value (A$ millions) of merchandise imported to Australia from Brunei since 1988
Monthly value (A$ millions) of merchandise exported from Australia to Brunei since 1988

From 2012 to 2013, Brunei was ranked as Australia's 39th largest trading partner with the total bilateral trade between the two countries reached U$1.026 billion.[4] Brunei crude petroleum comprising U$978 million of the total trade.[4] There is also a number of Australian teachers and other professionals work in Brunei while Australia became one of the destination for Bruneian students.[4]

Security relations

Both countries enjoys a defence relations particularly in military exercises and trainings.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Australia-Brunei Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Brunei). Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  2. ^ a b Jatswan S. Sidhu (22 December 2009). Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam. Scarecrow Press. pp. 29–. ISBN 978-0-8108-7078-9.
  3. ^ "Sultan of Brunei heading to Australia". The Australian. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Australia-Brunei bilateral relations". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia). January 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  5. ^ Rabiatul Kamit (2 March 2012). "Brunei and Australia fortify defence relations". The Brunei Times. asiaone. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.