On the occasion of Pakistan Day, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to send congratulatory messages to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani.

In the message to the president of Pakistan, His Majesty congratulated Mr Zardari, the government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

The monarch expressed his appreciation for the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Pakistan, and looked forward to continuing to strengthen the warm and friendly ties between the two countries in the coming years.

Sultan wished Mr Zardari continued good health, and for the people of Pakistan, continued progress and prosperity.

In the congratulatory message to Pakistani Prime Minister Gillani, His Majesty expressed delight over the progress of the bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Pakistan.

The monarch said he is confident that the close friendship and exchanges taking place at various levels would strengthen the work done by both sides as partners in regional and international organisations.

Meanwhile, in a similar massage by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to his counterpart in Pakistan, Mr Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the Prince presented his warmest congratulations and best wishes to Mr Qureshi and the government and people of Pakistan on their Republic Day.

HRH appreciated the close and friendly ties between the countries and looked forward to continuing the work to strengthen these relations bilaterally and through the work in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the Asean Regional Forum. - Borneo Bulletin (21st Mar 2009)