Bilateral relations Switzerland–Brunei Darussalam

The Swiss Embassy in Singapore is also accredited to Brunei. An honorary consulate is located in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The ambassador of Brunei accredited to Switzerland resides in Berlin. Brunei has a consulate general in Geneva.

Switzerland and Brunei have had diplomatic relations since 1984.

Furthermore, Switzerland also cooperates with Brunei within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Switzerland became sectoral dialogue partner in July 2016.

International Treaty Database

Government of Brunei Darussalam

Swiss-ASEAN relations

Economic relations between Switzerland and Brunei are very limited. The economy of the sultanate is heavily dependent on natural gas and petroleum. In an effort to diversify, Brunei launched the ‘Brunei Vision 2035’ programme in 2008, the ultimate aim of which is to achieve income per capita within the top 10 countries in the world. With this in mind Brunei envisages increasing spending on education, technological development and infrastructure.

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is responsible for implementing Switzerland's international strategy on education, research and innovation.

Researchers who are citizens of Brunei are eligible to apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

There were 15 Swiss nationals living in Brunei in 2020.

Switzerland recognised Brunei at the end of 1983. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1984. In 2001, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin made the first visit of a member of the Swiss government to Brunei. Two subsequent political dialogues took place in March 2011 and April 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan.