His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday consented to sent two separate congratulatory messages, a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

HRH sent a congratulatory message to Albert Del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of the Philippines on the occasion of the republic's 113th Independence Day.

"I would like to send my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of the Republic of the Philippines on your country's 113th Independence Day.

"The longstanding and much valued friendship our governments share were highlighted in President Aquino's recent visit and I have great pleasure in wishing all your people, both here and in the Philippines, a very happy day and enjoyable celebration."

HRH also sent a congratulatory message to Sergey V Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Federation on the occasion of the country's National Day.

"I am very pleased to send my best wishes to you and to the government and people of Russia on your country's National Day.

"This is a memorable year for our countries, marking twenty years of friendship and cooperation and I wish you personally and the government and people of Russia a very happy celebration." - Borneo Bulletin (12th June 2011)