His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to His Majesty Akihito the Emperor of Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the people of Japan, on the auspicious occasion of the 79th birthday of the Japanese Emperor.

In the message to the Japanese Emperor, His Majesty said he values the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in many areas and the ever strengthening ties of friendship between the two peoples. His Majesty also expressed his confidence that the important relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Japan would continue to flourish in the years to come.

In ending the message, His Majesty conveyed his best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of the Japanese Emperor and other members of the Imperial family.

In the message to the Japanese Prime Minister, His Majesty extended his warmest congratulations to him and to the government and people of Japan on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of the Japanese Emperor.

His Majesty also expressed his pleasure at meeting the Japanese Prime Minister in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, recently as it provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the excellent progress in bilateral ties between the two countries.

His Majesty looks forward to working closely with the Japanese Prime Minister on strengthening the warm friendship and long-standing cooperation between the two peoples and countries.

In ending the message, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes to the Japanese Prime Minister, and the people of Japan for their continued good health and prosperity.

Meanwhile, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a similar congratulatory message to his counterpart, Koichiro Gemba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

In the message, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah said: "It gives me great pleasure to present my deepest respects to His Imperial Majesty together with my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of Japan on His Imperial Majesty's 79th birthday."

According to HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Japan has long been a vital partner in Brunei's development.

"We greatly appreciate not only the trade and investment links that we have established but also the warm friendship shared by our people," HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah said, adding that he looks forward to working closely with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs to enhance these valuable ties in the year ahead, both in their work together in their important partnership in the region. - Borneo Bulletin (23 December 2012)