His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, and General Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Day of Union of Myanmar.

In his message, His Majesty extended his warmest congratulations to Senior General Than Shwe, General Thein Sein, the government and people of the Union of Myanmar on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

In the message to Senior General Than Shwe, His Majesty expressed his pleasure at the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and the close partnership shared in Asean. His Majesty expressed his confidence that this would continue in the years to come.

In the message to General Thein Sein, His Majesty conveyed his happiness with the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and the close cooperation in Asean. His Majesty hoped to continue to develop these ties in the coming year.

His Majesty wished Senior General Than Shwe much success and good health and also conveyed his best wishes for success to General Thein Sein in this new year.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a congratulatory message to U Nyan Win, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar.

His Royal Highness said, "I have great pleasure in sending my warmest congratulations to you personally and to the government and people of the Union of Myanmar on your Independence Day.

"I look forward with great pleasure to working with you during the coming year to enhance our countries' friendly relations and our partnership in Asean and other regional and international bodies.

"I wish you a very happy and enjoyable celebration and send my kind regards to your family," said His Royal Highness in his message. - Borneo Bulletin (4th January 2010)