His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send congratulatory messages to Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General of Australia, and Julia Gillard, the Prime Minister of Australia, as well as the government and people of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day.

In the message to the Governor-General of Australia, His Majesty said the two countries have enjoyed much success in many areas of cooperation, both bilaterally and through common work in regional and international affairs. His Majesty looked forward to continuing this important partnership.

In a similar message to the Prime Minister of Australia, His Majesty expressed his pleasure at working with her over the past year in enhancing the warm friendship and cooperation between the two countries, including the successful outcome of the Asean-Australia Summit in Hanoi last year.

His Majesty was also pleased to welcome Australia into the ASEM grouping.

His Majesty also conveyed his best wishes to the Governor-General of Australia and Prime Minister of Australia on the occasion of Australia's Chairmanship of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2011.

His Majesty ended the messages by extending his kindest regards and best wishes for the good health and happiness of the Governor-General of Australia and Prime Minister of Australia, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of Australia.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, sent a similar congratulatory message to Kevin Rudd, the Minister For Foreign Affairs of Australia.

In the message, HRH expressed his best wishes to the Australian Minister For Foreign Affairs, as well as the government and people of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day.

HRH expressed his satisfaction over the close relations between Brunei and Australia and looked forward in continuing to strengthen these ties, both bilaterally and as regional partners, especially through the exciting new opportunities now opened up by the East Asia Summit. - Borneo Bulletin (26th January 2011)