His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Mr S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore, and Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore on the occasion of the country's national day today.

In the message to Mr S R Nathan, His Majesty stated that the government and people of Brunei Darussalam joined His Majesty in sending their warmest greetings to Mr S R Nathan personally and to the people of Singapore on their national day.

His Majesty also expressed great satisfaction in working with Mr S R Nathan, his government, and wished them much success in all their future endeavours.

His Majesty looked forward to continuing the much-valued cooperation in the coming year and also to renewing many bonds of friendship and goodwill that were happily shared by the peoples of Brunei and Singapore. His Majesty also sent His Majesty's best wishes to Mr S R Nathan and his family.

In the message to the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, His Majesty congratulated him and the government and people of Singapore on their many achievements during the past year. His Majesty especially wished them great success in the hosting of the upcoming Apec Summit.

His Majesty further expressed great appreciation for the cooperation that was undertaken together in order to meet the many modern challenges faced by Brunei and Singapore. His Majesty looked forward to continuing work to strengthen the very important relationship that linked the two countries and their peoples.

His Majesty also sent His Majesty's best wishes to Mr Lee Hsien Loong and all members of his family for their good health and happiness.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent his warmest congratulations to George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and to the government and people of Singapore on their national day.

HRH said Brunei's outstanding relations with Singapore in so many years of cooperation and development have once again been deepened and strengthened considerably over the past year by the warm and personal friendship enjoyed by our people.

HRH expressed great appreciation for this and sent HRH's best wishes to all Singaporeans for a very happy celebration and continued happiness and prosperity in the coming year. - Borneo Bulletin (9th August 2009)