His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send messages of congratulations to Bangladeshi President Mohammad Zillur Rahman and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed on the occasion of the Independence Day of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

In the message to Mohammad Zillur Rahman, His Majesty said he much appreciated the friendship between the two countries and looked forward to working with the president to strengthen cooperation between the counties in the coming year.

In the monarch's message to Sheikh Hasina Wajed, His Majesty said he was pleased with the warm and friendly ties shared between the two countries and looked forward to strengthening cooperation between the two countries in regional and international forums.

In ending the message, His Majesty prayed that Allah the Almighty would bless the president and the prime minister with continued good health and happiness, and the people of Bangladesh with progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a congratulatory message to Bangladeshi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni.

In his message, HRH said, "I am pleased to present my warmest congratulations to you, the government and the people of Bangladesh on your country's independence day.

"I look forward to working with you in the coming year to strengthen our warm and friendly ties as well as our work together bilaterally and internationally.

In ending his message, HRH extended his kindest regards and best wishes. - Borneo Bulletin (26 March 2012)