By Suria Rina PHA
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to receive congratulatory messages from leaders and state dignitaries on the auspicious occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the National Day of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
One of the messages was from Mr S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore. In his congratulatory message, the President said that under His Majesty's visionary and steadfast leadership, Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed steady progress and prosperity, while preserving its unique cultural and spiritual values.
The two countries have shared long-standing and warm friendship and have worked closely together over the years to advance the common good for both countries and the region.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore meanwhile in his congratulatory message said that Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed continued peace and prosperity under His Majesty's guidance and leadership.
Through its many contributions in the regional stage, Brunei Darussalam also plays an important role in Asean.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that Singapore has shared a special relationship, nurtured by the personal friendship and trust between the leaders.
Meanwhile Mr George Yeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore extended his congratulations and warm wishes to His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah on the auspicious occasion of Negara Brunei Darussalam's 23rd National Day.
Congratulatory messages also came from Mr Nguyen Minh Triet, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Mr Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
"We highly appreciate the achievement recorded by His Majesty's government and the Bruneian people in the cause of building and developing Brunei Darussalam into a peaceful and prosperous nation.
"We wish Negara Brunei Darussalam, under the wise rule of His Majesty, will further develop and play an increasing role in the region as well as in the world.
"We note with satisfaction the new development in our bilateral friendly and cooperative relationship over the past years. We are firmly convinced that, with joint efforts made by the governments and people of our two countries, this fine relationship will continue to be strengthened and expanded on the basis of bilateral cooperation as well as in the framework of multilateral cooperation, for the benefit of the people of our two countries and in the interests of peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and the world".
Both leaders expressed their best wishes for His Majesty's good health and happiness.
(23rd February 2007)
