His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send messages of congratulations to Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

In the message to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, His Majesty said he very much values the friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries and looked forward to working with the president in enhancing relations in the coming year.

In the message to the prime minister, the monarch said he much appreciated the friendly relations and cooperation that existed between the two countries and looked forward to exploring opportunities to strengthen these much-valued ties. In ending the message, His Majesty prayed that Allah the Almighty bless the president and the prime minister with continued good health and happiness, and the people of Pakistan with continuous prosperity.

Meanwhile, in a separate message, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

In the message, HRH said, "I have great pleasure in sending my congratulations and best wishes to you and to the government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

"I much appreciate the warm and friendly ties enjoyed by our countries and people as well as the much-valued bilateral cooperation and international cooperation which I look forward to strengthening in the coming year." - Borneo Bulletin (23 March 2012)