His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to send a congratulatory message to Dmitry Medvedev, the President of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of the Russia on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.

In the message, His Majesty expressed great pleasure in sending his warm congratulations to the president, prime minister, government and people of the Russian Federation on the anniversary of Russia's Independence Day.

His Majesty looks forward to working with the Russian president and prime minister in the coming year to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Brunei and Russia, bilaterally as well as partners in regional cooperation, especially in the Asean-Russia Dialogue.

His Majesty wished both the Russian president and prime minister good health and happiness. - Borneo Bulletin (12th June 2008)