The Government of the Republic of Singapore has sent congratulatory messages in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam 63rd birthday.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President S R Nathan, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in their congratulatory messages lauded His Majesty's leadership and role in the strong bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

On behalf of the Republic of Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, "Under Your Majesty's enlightened leadership, Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed prosperity, progress and peace.

"Brunei and Singapore have a very strong friendship and have enjoyed warm and close bilateral ties. With your personal commitment to our close and longstanding bilateral relationship, I am confident that the ties between our people and institutions will continue to strengthen."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Mrs Ho Ching wished His Majesty continued good health and happiness.

President Sellapan Ramanathan said that under His Majesty's astute and capable leadership, Brunei Darussalam has developed from strength to strength and progress and stability is apparent.

He said that he is confident that the bonds between the people of Brunei and Singapore and the institutions of Brunei and Singapore will continue to deepen in the future.

Minister Mentor of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, in his message, said, "Singapore values the close friendship and collaboration between Brunei and Singapore, based on mutual understanding and respect."

He said that the bonds forged will remain close and grow stronger in the years to come.

He reminisced, "I was happy to meet with His Majesty over dinner during my visit to Brunei in February 2009. I thank you for the opportunity to speak at the inaugural Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Memorial Lecture."

Senior Minister of Singapore, Goh Chok Tong and his wife expressed their congratulations and wished His Majesty the very best of health and success. "The strong and close bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have strengthened over the years. I am confident that our bonds will continue to grow."

The High Commission of Canada also announced that it has sent a diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam.

On behalf of Michelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, it extended congratulatory wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the special occasion of His Majesty's 63rd birthday.

"All Canadians join our Governor General in wishing His Majesty the Sultan continued good health, prosperity and also in expressing great appreciation for the warm friendship and traditional cooperation long enjoyed by Canada and Brunei." - Borneo Bulletin (15th July 2009)