His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to Bashar al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.

In the message His Majesty congratulated the President, the government and people of the Syria on the occasion, as well as expressed appreciation for the friendship shared by the people of Brunei and Syria.

His Majesty looked forward to continuing to enhance the cooperation between the countries bilaterally and as partners in international cooperation.

His Majesty also wished the Syrian President continued good health and happiness. - Borneo Bulletin (17th Apr 2009)