His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic of France, and Francois Fillon, Prime Minister of the Republic of France, on the occasion of the Bastille Day of the Republic of France.

In his message, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction at the warm relations and close cooperation between the two countries and his confidence that this would be maintained and enhanced both bilaterally and multilaterally for the mutual benefit of the two countries and the people.

His Majesty also extended his personal best wishes for President Sarkozy's continued good health and happiness, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of France.

In a similar congratulatory message to Francois Fillon, Prime Minister of the Republic of France, His Majesty also wished him continued good health and happiness.

Meanwhile, in a similar message by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of France, HRH said, "We send our warmest appreciation for the welcome so kindly accorded to His Majesty on a recent visit and offer our very best wishes to your government and people during France's Presidency of the European Union.

"I look forward to the pleasure of continuing our work together, both bilaterally and within our Asean-EU partnership." - Borneo Bulletin (14th July 2008)