The United Kingdom remains committed to fostering deeper economic ties, bolstering security collaboration, and joint efforts on climate and nature initiatives with Brunei.
In an interview, British High Commissioner to Brunei Alexandra McKenzie emphasised the importance of these priorities while underscoring the unique historical bonds between Brunei and the UK.
On trade, the high commissioner shared that the UK is set to engage a trade mission to Brunei in November to explore new business opportunities.
“We already have a good trade investment relationship with Brunei, and we can make it much better. We want to bring some momentum to those partnerships and opportunities,” she said.
McKenzie added that the UK is looking forward to Brunei ratifying the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which will mark the first multilateral free trade agreement between the UK and Brunei, further enhancing commercial partnership and stimulating growth in both countries.
Furthermore, the high commissioner said that security cooperation is a longstanding cornerstone of the UK-Brunei partnership, particularly with the presence of the British Garrison in Brunei.
McKenzie expressed the UK’s deep gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for hosting the garrison, emphasising its huge significance not only for bilateral relations but also for regional security.
“We are looking to make sure we can continue that, and we don’t take anything for granted. There is a lot that we can do together,” she said, adding that a maritime dialogue is set to take place that will serve as a platform for both nations to collaborate on regional security and maritime stability.
Touching on climate and nature, High Commissioner McKenzie described the Brunei Green Economy Framework launched in April 2024 as “a fantastic bilateral initiative.”
The framework provides recommendations for sustainable development, and the UK is keen to work with Brunei to implement recommendations and explore further opportunities for collaboration in both bilateral and ASEAN perspectives.
McKenzie also praised Brunei’s natural wealth, stating that the sultanate has beautiful and bounteous natural environments.
She underscored the importance of learning from Brunei’s experience in conserving nature and tackling climate change.
“… on how we can work together, UK and Brunei, in helping others… To make sure they are protecting nature and adapting. Looking forward to all the international goals on climate and nature whether in ASEAN or bilateral contexts,” said McKenzie, adding that she is looking at Brunei’s transition priorities and how the UK can support those ambitions.
Moreover, education has remained a significant link between the UK and Brunei, with countless Bruneians choosing to pursue higher education in the UK.
Highlighting the importance of this exchange, she noted that many of Brunei’s senior government officials and members of society are alumni of UK universities. “We’re so grateful that so many Bruneians choose to study in the UK which is a fantastic choice,” she said.
Recently, the high commissioner hosted events for Chevening scholars and members of the Brunei Students Union and was pleased to hear positive feedback from students about their experiences in the UK.
She also mentioned that the UK’s graduate visa options also provide opportunities for Bruneian students to gain work experience in the UK.
“So you get your great UK university education, and then some time off work experience, and it makes you much more employable when you come back,” shared the high commissioner.
In addition, the UK-Brunei relationship is further strengthened by the close ties between the royal families.
McKenzie highlighted the importance of the friendship between His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the British royal family, noting that this bond has played a key role in diplomatic relations for years.
“It’s about people at its heart,” said the high commissioner, emphasising that these royal connections reflect the broader relationship between the two nations.
The high commissioner also shared her interest in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and strengthening partnerships across all sectors of society.
“We’re lucky in the diplomatic corps here. We have a huge number of women – high commissioners and ambassadors – all impressive women. I’d like to work with Bruneian women to see what we can do to sort of progress the gender equality,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm to work with other stakeholders sharing similar priorities.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
