Brunei–Pakistan relations
Pakistan |
Brunei |
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The diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Brunei is very warm and friendly, primarily because both are Muslim countries and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Pakistan maintains a high commission in Brunei,[1] and Brunei has an embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. To further foster ties between the two countries, the Brunei-Pakistan Friendship Association (BPFA) was created in 2008.[2]
History
Originally Pakistan did not support the non-inclusion of Brunei to the Federation of Malaysia, the other was the separation of Singapore. Later, relations were established on 9 February 1984 when Malaysia established relations with Brunei.[3]
Trade links
Trade links between the two countries are small, largely because of Brunei's small size. The current trade volume between the two countries stands at US $5 million.[4] To foster trade and investment between the two countries, the Pakistan-Brunei Joint Investment Company was created in November 2006.[5] Areas like the oil and gas sector, real estate, hotels, telecommunications and halal meat projects are some sectors where the two countries can benefit.
Defence co-operation
Defence co-operation between the two countries remains strong. Brunei Darussalam and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation on 19 May 2004.[6] Pakistan has so far trained up to 100 Bruneians at Pakistani military academies.[7] In November 2008, the Defence Secretary of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Athar Ali, paid an official visit to Brunei to boost defence co-operation between the two countries.[8] In October 2010, the Pakistan naval ship (PNS) SAIF docked at Muara Port to celebrate defence relations and goodwill between Brunei and Pakistan.[9]
Pakistan was scheduled to participate in the third Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX 2011), and invited Brunei to participate in the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2010).[10] Pakistan has also invited the naval forces of Brunei to participate in Pakistan's multinational naval exercise, Aman.
See also
References
- ↑ HIGH COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN IN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI
- ↑ Brunei-Pakistan association launched.
- ↑ "Brunei-Pakistan Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Brunei). Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ Trade volume between Pak-Brunei reaches $5m Archived 28 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Pakistani envoy sees great scope for bilateral trade.
- ↑ Brunei & Pakistan Discuss Defence Cooperation Archived 29 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Historic get-together for officers trained in Pakistan
- ↑ Pakistan, Brunei to discuss defence ties
- ↑ Pakistan, Brunei Celebrate Defence Ties And Goodwill
- ↑ Pakistan to participate in BRIDEX 2011