His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on the occasion of their respective reappointments as President and Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The message to Choummaly Sayasone, President of Lao People's Democratic Republic, stated that it had been an honour to welcome the President of Lao and Dr Keosaychay Sayasone on their first visit to Brunei Darussalam last November.

His Majesty also wished the President of Lao much success and looked forward to continuing to work closely with him to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, both bilaterally and as cooperative partners in Asean.

In a similar message to Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Majesty expressed his pleasure at meeting him at the Asean Summit in Jakarta last month, and looked forward to working with him in the coming years in strengthening the close relations between the two countries, as well as in regional and international cooperation.

In ending the messages, His Majesty wished the President, Prime Minister and the Government of Lao continued success, and all the best in their preparations to host the 9th Asem Summit next year.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a similar message to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao.

"It has been a pleasure working with you and I have much appreciated your personal contributions to strengthening the excellent relations shared by our people. I look forward to continuing our work together both bilaterally and as Asean partners," HRH said. - Borneo Bulletin (17th June 2011)