His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a message of congratulations to Mr David Johnston, Governor-General of Canada, as well as to the government and people of Canada on the occasion of Canada Day.

In the message, His Majesty was pleased with the warm and friendly relations between the people of Brunei and Canada and the excellent cooperation between the two countries. His Majesty looks forward to further opportunities to strengthen these valuable ties.

The monarch also took the opportunity to thank Mr Johnston for the kind and generous hospitality extended to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, during His Royal Highness's visit to Canada last September.

In concluding the message, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes for Mr Johnston's continued good health.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Mr John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

"I have great pleasure in congratulating you and the government and people of Canada on Canada Day.

"I much appreciate the warm and friendly ties enjoyed by our people and the excellent cooperation between our countries. I look forward to working closely with you to enhance our much-valued bilateral relations as well as our partnership in the Asean-Canada Dialogue and APEC," said HRH.

In a similar message to Mr Edward Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway of Canada, HRH Prince Mohamed said, "It was a pleasure.

"It was a pleasure to welcome you here in February and I much appreciate your personal contribution in developing economic cooperation between our countries.

"I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen our bilateral ties as well as our partnership in the region and I wish you, your government and the Canadian people a very happy celebration," said HRH. - Borneo Bulletin (1 July 2012)