His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send messages of congratulations to Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, as well as the government and people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on the occasion of the National Day of the country.

His Majesty stated that it was a pleasure meeting President Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting recently and congratulated him on the great success of the meeting. His Majesty looked forward to continue working with President Choummaly Sayasone to strengthen the warm and friendly relations between the two countries both bilaterally and through their close partnership in the region.

In a message to Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, His Majesty congratulated him and the Laotian government on their successful hosting of the recent Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane and very much appreciated the generous hospitality and warm welcome accorded to His Majesty and his delegation during their visit. His Majesty looked forward to continue working with him in the years ahead and the pleasure of welcoming him to Brunei next year for his visit and participation in the Asean Summit.

In ending the messages, His Majesty extended his very best wishes to President Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong for their continued good health and happiness. - Borneo Bulletin (2 December 2012)