His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to His Majesty Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Dato Laila Utama Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia on the occasion on the 54th Independence Day of Malaysia.

In His Majesty's message toYang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, His Majesty greatly valued the long standing friendship and close cooperation that existed between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.

His Majesty also expressed his confidence that this relationship would continue and be further enhanced in time to come particularly with regards to the interest and welfare of the people of both countries.

His Majesty together with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha prayed to Allah the Almighty for the longevity and good health of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah as well as the royal family and for the continued peace and prosperity of the people of Malaysia.

In a similar congratulatory message to Dato' Sri Mohd Najib, His Majesty expressed his pleasure that the two countries enjoyed very close and friendly relations and ties.

His Majesty was also confident that the two countries would continue to build upon and expand their friendship in time to come.

His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with the development of very good cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels. His Majesty believed as Brunei's closest neighbouring country, closer cooperation with Malaysia would continue to be realised in efforts to further develop cooperation in the interest of the people of both countries.

His Majesty also looked forward to welcoming the Malaysian premier to Brunei Darussalam for the annual consultations next month and was confident that these consultations would result in outcomes that would be very beneficial in developing and enhancing the existing fields of cooperation between both countries.

In concluding the message, His Majesty prayed to Allah the Almighty that Dato' Sri, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah would remain in good health and under His protection.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart, Datuk Anifah Hj Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

HRH sent his warmest congratulations and to the government and people of Malaysia on their 54th national day.

HRH said it was a pleasure meeting Datuk Anifah in Bali last month and HRH looked forward to working closely with Datuk Anifah in strengthening their excellent relations, both bilaterally and as regional partners. HRH sent his very best wishes to him and his family during this festive month of Syawal. - Borneo Bulletin (31st August 2011)