His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam received congratulatory messages from Singapore leaders on the occasion of the monarch's 66th birthday.

Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam said, "On behalf of the people of Singapore, my wife and I would like to congratulate His Majesty on the joyous occasion of His Majesty's 66th birthday."

"Brunei Darussalam has made exceptional progress under His Majesty's wise and eminent leadership. Today, Brunei Darussalam enjoys harmony and a high standard of living and stands out in the region as a paragon of peace and stability," said Mr Tony Tan.

"Singapore and Brunei have long enjoyed close ties. Goodwill and mutual confidence are the hallmarks of our bilateral relationship. Under His Majesty's guidance, I am confident that the ties between our people and our institutions will continue to flourish. My wife joins me in wishing His Majesty good health and success," he added.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his congratulatory message to His Majesty said, "Under His Majesty's guidance, the people of Brunei Darussalam have enjoyed sustained peace and prosperity.

"His Majesty has also played an important role in strengthening our bilateral ties. Brunei Darussalam and Singapore share a special relationship, underpinned by substantial cooperation and regular people-to-people contact.

"As Brunei Darussalam takes over the Asean Chairmanship in 2013, Asean will benefit from His Majesty's experience and wisdom. Singapore and Brunei Darussalam share an interest in a stable, dynamic and progressive Asean. We look forward to supporting Brunei Darussalam as Asean chair next year," he added.

"It was a pleasure to have hosted His Majesty in Singapore this February. I look forward to visiting Brunei Darussalam soon."

Singapore's Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, meanwhile in his congratulatory message, said, "Brunei Darussalam has made impressive progress due to His Majesty's leadership.

"I am confident that Brunei Darussalam will continue to develop and prosper. I also strongly believe that the close friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore will continue to deepen in the coming years."

Senior statesman Lee Kuan Yew also congratulated His Majesty on the occasion of His Majesty's 66th birthday. "Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed many years of peace, stability and progress under His Majesty's guidance. This is due to His Majesty's singular focus on ensuring the well-being of Bruneians.

"Singapore is proud to be a close friend of Brunei Darussalam. From the time of His Majesty's father, the late Seri Begawan, we have laid the foundation of the deep ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

"I am grateful to His Majesty for further strengthening this foundation," said Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who also extended his warmest wishes for His Majesty's good health and success. - Borneo Bulletin (15 July 2012)