HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages 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 38th National Day.

In his message to the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Majesty appreciated the warm friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries and looked forward to renewed opportunities to enhance these much-valued relations in the years ahead.

His Majesty extended his kindest regards and best wishes for Choummaly Sayasone’s continued good health and happiness and for the continued good progress and prosperity of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

In His Majesty’s message to Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Majesty expressed his great pleasure at receiving him and his delegation during his official visit to Brunei Darussalam earlier this year and looked forward to continue working with the prime minister to strengthen the close bilateral ties between the two countries and the warm friendship shared by the people of Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. His Majesty also appreciated the prime minister’s valuable support throughout Brunei Darussalam’s Asean Chairmanship this year and looked forward to continuing efforts with him in enhancing regional cooperation.

In ending the message to Thongsing Thammavong, His Majesty extended his kindest regards.

Meanwhile, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, in a similar message to Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, sent his warmest congratulations and also to the Government and people on their 38th National Day.

“It has been a great pleasure working closely with you in the past year and I thank you and your government for Laos’ steadfast support of our Asean Chairmanship.

“I look forward to continuing our important work to strengthen our much-valued bilateral ties and deepening regional partnership,” added HRH and extended his kind regards and very best wishes for a happy celebration and a prosperous 2014. - Borneo Bulletin (2 December 2013)