Nations are stronger when there is access to good food, clean water and healthy living conditions. It is in all our interests to work to provide the highest possible standards for all Commonwealth people.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said this in a message on the occasion of the Commonwealth Day today.
His Majesty renewed Brunei's commitment to Commonwealth's shared values of tolerance, respect, and equality in a message and pledged to uphold Commonwealth's fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development.
Following is the full text of His Majesty's message:
"Today, we celebrate Commonwealth Day and Brunei Darussalam's membership of the Commonwealth family of nations.
"It is 22 years since Brunei Darussalam joined the Commonwealth. Today we renew our commitment to its shared values of tolerance, respect, and equality and to upholding its fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development.
"This year, we pay special attention to the virtues of health and vitality. We recognise that our nations are stronger when there is access to good food, clean water and healthy living conditions. It is in all our interests to work to provide the highest possible standards for all Commonwealth people.
"As a member of the Commonwealth, we, in Brunei Darussalam, are much stronger knowing that our one voice has the support of fifty-two other nations. We know the Commonwealth is a trusted partner and we welcome its approach to global diplomacy, by which members seek consensus and respect each other.
"The Commonwealth Heads of Government who met in Malta last year reaffirmed their commitment to each other.
"We particularly welcomed the opportunities the organisation has long offered to speak openly about the needs of our citizens and sit at the negotiating table as equals. We may be an extremely diverse group of partners but our collective ambitions have never been closer.
"In our shared values, conventions and institutions, we are better able to build peace and deliver prosperity to all our people.
"In the spirit of solidarity, let us cherish this valuable partnership and celebrate Commonwealth Day 2006."
- Borneo Bulletin
(13th Mar 2006)
