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

In the message to Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the monarch said he much appreciated the friendly relations between Brunei and the Republic of India, and looked forward to further developing the friendship and cooperation bilaterally as well as in the international forum.

In a similar message to Dr Manmohan Singh, His Majesty stated he much valued the friendship and cooperation enjoyed by the two countries and looked forward to continuing to work together with Dr Singh to strengthen the excellent relations bilaterally and as regional partners in the future.

The monarch ended the message by extending his kindest regards and best wishes for happy celebration to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil. His Majesty also extended his kindest regards, best wishes and prayed for continued good health and happiness for Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

His Majesty also consented yesterday to send a message of congratulations to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard as well as the government and people of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day.

In the message to Quentin Bryce, His Majesty said he was happy with the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and hoped this would continue to be enhanced in the future.

The monarch also looks forward to welcoming her to Brunei this year and is confident her visit would serve to further strengthen the much-valued relations.

In ending his message to Quentin Bryce, His Majesty wished her good health and happiness, as well as for the continued prosperity of the people of Australia.

His Majesty also congratulated Julia Gillard for successfully hosting the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

In ending the message to Julia Gillard, His Majesty extended his kindest regards and best wishes for her continued good health and happiness in this new year.

Meanwhile, in a separate congratulatory message, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah sent his warmest congratulations to SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, the government and people of India on the occasion of India's Republic Day.

HRH, in the message said, "We look forward to working closely with you this year as co-ordinators for the Asean-India Commemorative Summit."

HRH sent his kindest regards and hopes for a very happy Republic Day.

In a separate message, HRH also sent his best wishes to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd and to his government and people on Australia Day.

In the message, His Royal Highness said, "I have much appreciated working with you over the past year in several regional and international meetings and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our countries' friendship and very important cooperation in the coming year." - Borneo Bulletin (26th January 2012)