The High Commission of Canada to Brunei has extended wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on behalf of Ms Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada on the occasion of the country's 26th National Day.

"All Canadians join our Governor General in wishing His Majesty continued good health, prosperity and also in expressing great appreciation for the warm friendship and traditional cooperation long enjoyed by Canada and Brunei," the statement read.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to His Majesty and the people on the occasion of the 26th National Day of Brunei Darussalam," Ms Jean said in the statement.

"Canada and Brunei enjoy excellent bilateral relations that stem from our cooperation in a wide array of fields. One such example was the education fair held in Bandar Seri Begawan earlier this month, in which 12 Canadian universities participated. This is a direct response to His Majesty's personal interest in expanding educational linkages between the two countries," the Governor General added.

"Our trading relationship is growing across a range of sectors, including Halal pharmaceuticals investments, communication technologies and environmental management.

"We further value our cooperation in a number of international fora such as the Commonwealth, APEC, the United Nations and particularly through Asean, in which Canada is a dialogue partner."

Meanwhile, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the US Secretary of State, also sent a congratulatory message to Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the country's 26th National Day.

"On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Brunei Darussalam on the celebration of their National Day on February 23," Ms Clinton said in her message.

"This is an opportunity for Bruneians to honour their history and heritage, as echoed in this year's theme of 'Negaraku Brunei Darussalam,' or 'My Country Brunei Darussalam'. Across Brunei, families will fly the national flag proudly for all the world to see.

"This is also an opportunity for Brunei and its partners around the world to reaffirm our shared hopes for the future and redouble our efforts to work together to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st Century. The United States values our friendship with Brunei, based on mutual respect and mutual interest, and we are committed to maintaining warm relations in the future." - Borneo Bulletin (21st February 2010)