His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to send congratulatory messages to Australia's Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on the occasion of Australia Day.

His Majesty also consented to send congratulatory messages to India's President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, on the occasion of the Republic Day of India.

In the message to the Australian Governor-General, His Majesty said that he values the excellent relations between Brunei and Australia, and looks forward to continue working with her to enhance cooperation both bilaterally and as regional partners.

His Majesty also wished Bryce good health and success in Australia's Chairmanship of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2011.

In the message to the Australian Prime Minister, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction over the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries, and looks forward to continuing to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

His Majesty also expressed his appreciation for initiatives made by Rudd and his government in building and consolidating regional cooperation in Asia. His Majesty wished the Australian Prime Minister much success in his chairmanship of the 2011 CHOGM.

His Majesty, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Brunei and India. His Majesty looks forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, sent similar congratulatory messages to Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, on the occasion of Australia Day, and India's Minister for External Affairs, S M Krishna, on the occasion of the Republic Day of India. - Borneo Bulletin (26th January 2010)