His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages and best wishes to Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic of France, and Francois Fillon, the Prime Minister of the Republic of France, as well as to the government and people of Republic of France on the occasion of the National Day of France.

In the message to President Sarkozy, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the long standing friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries, including through partnership shared in the Asean-EU dialogue and Asia-Europe meeting, for which His Majesty was confident would continue in the years to come.

In a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Fillon, His Majesty expressed his pleasure at the goodwill shared between the two countries and people and he was delighted that this much valued friendship and cooperation had continued.

His Majesty also wished him much success in hosting the G20 summit later this year.

In ending the messages, His Majesty conveyed his warmest regards and very best wishes to President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Fillon.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Alain Marie Juppe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of France.

His Royal Highness said, "I would like to congratulate you and the government and people of France on your National Day. I wish your people a most enjoyable 14th of July celebration.

"I greatly value our countries' longstanding friendship and cooperation and much appreciate the contribution made to our development.

"With my warmest regards and very best wishes in your hosting of the G20 Summit later this year." - Borneo Bulletin (13th July 2011)