His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send a congratulatory message to Barack Obama, President of the United States of America on the occasion of his inauguration.

In the message, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction over the much valued relations between Brunei and the United States which have continued to be strengthened over the years, both bilaterally and through the many cooperative partnerships between the two countries at the regional and international level.

His Majesty looked forward to working closely with President Obama in the years to come and hoped that the relations between the two countries would continue to grow in strength and scope.

In concluding the message, His Majesty conveyed his kind regards to the First Lady and his family.

Obama became the first black US president on Tuesday, making history before a sea of people and declaring the United States in the midst of a crisis that can be defeated with a united sense of purpose.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said in his inaugural speech shortly after taking the oath of office. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."

Hundreds of thousands of people erupted in roars of approval on the broad National Mall grounds as they watched Obama stand with one hand raised, one hand on a Bible used to swear in Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and repeat the brief oath to become the 44th US president and succeed George W Bush. - Borneo Bulletin (21st Jan 2009)