His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send messages of congratulations to Truong Tan Sang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and also to Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

In the message to the Vietnamese President, His Majesty extended his warmest personal congratulations to him, the government and people of the Vietnam on the 20th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.

His Majesty further stated that, as this important occasion was celebrated, His Majesty looked forward to the pleasure of welcoming Mr Truong Tan Sang to Brunei later this year, and to the opportunity that this would afford to strengthen the warm friendship and much-valued cooperation happily shared between the people of the two countries, both bilaterally and as partners in Asean.

In the message to the Vietnamese Prime Minister, His Majesty expressed delight at joining the premier in celebrating two decades of close friendship and cooperation between Brunei and Vietnam both bilaterally and as regional partners, and also looked forward to working closely with the Vietnam government.

The monarch also greatly appreciated the many contributions of the people of Vietnam in strengthening the much-valued relations between the two countries, especially the generous hospitality extended by the people of Vietnam to Brunei visitors.

In ending the messages, His Majesty extended the very best wishes to the Vietnamese President and Prime Minister for their continued good health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, in a similar congratulatory message by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Royal Highness expressed delight in sending very best wishes to Mr Pham Binh Minh, the government and the people of Vietnam on the 20th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.

"It was a pleasure to see you in Brunei earlier this month and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the goodwill and much-valued cooperation so happily shared by our people," HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah said in the message to Mr Pham Binh Minh.

"I have also greatly appreciated working personally with you and your predecessors as close colleagues and friends over the past 20 years and I would like to thank you all very much indeed for the warm welcome and most generous hospitality we have always received when visiting Vietnam." - Borneo Bulletin (29th February 2012)