HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to Vladmir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, as well as the Government and people of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation.

In the message, His Majesty said he values the warm friendship and close ties enjoyed by the two countries and appreciates the continuous efforts to further strengthen these relations.

His Majesty also thanked the Russian President for personally inviting him to the G20 Summit, as well as the warm welcome and hospitality received during His Majesty’s stay in St Petersburg last year.

His Majesty ended the message by extending his kindest regards and very best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of the Russian President.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a similar congratulatory message to his counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation.

In the message, HRH extended his warmest congratulations to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Government and people of Russia.

HRH said it was a great pleasure meeting the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs in Brunei last year during the Asean Regional Forum and East Asia Summit. HRH thanked him and the people again for Russia’s valuable support throughout Brunei’s Asean Chairmanship.

HRH expressed his appreciation that both Russian and Bruneian officials have met for consultations in Moscow recently. HRH looks forward to continuing the close bilateral and international cooperation between Brunei and Russia in the year ahead. - Borneo Bulletin (12 June 2014)