His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore, and Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, on the occasion of the National Day of Republic of Singapore.

In his message to President S R Nathan, His Majesty stated that he valued the warm and close relations and deep understanding that have long been established between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore. His Majesty was confident that these ties would continue to be strengthened in the years to come for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

His Majesty also extended his best wishes for Mr Nathan's continued good health and happiness, as well as for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Singapore.

In a similar congratulatory message to Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Majesty stated that he very much appreciated the excellent relations shared between the two countries. His Majesty also expressed his confidence that the good rapport established between the two countries would continue to strengthen in the future, both bilaterally and as long-standing regional and international partners.

In concluding the message, His Majesty extended his very best wishes for Lee Hsien Loong's continued good health and happiness, and for the prosperity of the people of the Republic of Singapore.

In a similar message, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent his warmest congratulations to Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo.

"I have greatly appreciated the many opportunities we have had over the past year to work closely together in the spirit of warm friendship and cooperation that our countries have enjoyed over so many years. I look forward to the pleasure of continuing these efforts both bilaterally and in our regional partnerships," said HRH Prince Mohamed. - Borneo Bulletin (9th August 2010)