His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send congratulatory messages to Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of the Republic of India, and Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, as well as the government and people of India on the occasion of the Republic Day of India.

In the message to the Indian President, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction over the long-standing relations that exist between the two countries and hoped that ties would continue to be strengthened in the coming years.

In a similar message to the Indian Prime Minister, His Majesty said he greatly valued the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and looked forward to continue working together with him to strengthen the excellent relations between Brunei and India, both bilaterally and as regional partners.

His Majesty ended the messages by extending his kindest regards and best wishes for the good health and happiness of the Indian President and Prime Minister, as well as for the prosperity of the people of India.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, sent a similar congratulatory message to S M Krishna, Minister For External Affairs of India.

In the message, HRH expressed his appreciation over the friendship and cooperation shared over the years.

"India has played a very important role in the development of Brunei Darussalam," HRH said, adding that the Sultanate values India's presence in the region, particularly after the signing of the Asean-India Free Trade Agreement in 2009. - Borneo Bulletin (26th January 2011)