His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to President Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In his message to President Hu Jintao, His Majesty expressed his pleasure that the bilateral relations and partnership in the region have continued to enjoy excellent progress, characterised by strong dialogue and cooperation at all levels.

His Majesty also congratulated President Hu Jintao for the outstanding achievement by the People's Republic of China in hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.

In a similar congratulatory message to Wen Jiabao, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the long-standing friendship and warm relations between Brunei and China and their people.

His Majesty believes that the Asean-China Dialogue and Asia-Europe meeting have presented opportunities to deepen the excellent bilateral ties and also expressed confidence that the much-valued relations will continue to be strengthened.

His Majesty also wished Wen Jiabao continued good health and happiness and success in the forthcoming Asia-Europe Meeting.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade sent a similar congratulatory message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Yang Jiechi.

His Royal Highness congratulated China on the success of the Olympic Games and expressed his personal appreciation for the generous hospitality accorded to His majesty the Sultan whilst in Beijing for the Games' opening ceremony.

"I have greatly enjoyed working with you as coordinators of ASEM and wish you much success in all your preparations for this forthcoming summit," said His Royal Highness in his congratulatory message to Yang Jiechi.

2008 has marked a significant year for China's development, as they successfully hosted the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, fulfilling the century-old dream of the Chinese nation. The People's Republic of China, with it population of over a billion, will celebrate the 59th anniversary of the founding of China, today. - Borneo Bulletin (1st Oct 2008)