His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno S Aquino III on the occasion of the 113th Independence Day of the Philippines.

In the message, His Majesty was happy to have had the opportunity to welcome President Aquino for his first State Visit to Brunei Darussalam recently. His Majesty added that the visit strengthened the already close ties they shared and hoped that the friendship and cooperation will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples.

His Majesty ended his message by extending his best wishes in all his work and kindest regards, a press release said. - Borneo Bulletin (12th June 2011)