Bruneians in Holland

There are not that many of us here, probably about 8 or 9 families altogether. It's not large but may be bigger than in other countries in Europe where Brunei either has an embassy or a representative office, apart from UK of course.

One would wonder why there is no Brunei Embassy in Holland yet there are offices in France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Russia in mainland Europe. And yet every year there are lot of Bruneians who go to Holland on training as well as living here on work assignment.

It must have been because Brunei has little or no historical link with the Dutch. Where else countries like France, Germany and Russia are big countries and members of the G8 grouping which every country including Brunei could not afford to ignore. Belgium and Switzerland, being the seat of Europe and hosting the UN office respectively, are obvious to have a representative office there.

In any case Brunei interest in Holland is well served from the Brussel office. So there is no real need to have another one here. Running an overseas office is not cheap and if the government does not see the political, economic or social benefits, why do it.