His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to His Majesty Al-Sultan Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, and Dato Laila Utama Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as the government and people of Malaysia on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Malaysia.

In His Majesty's message to His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, His Majesty recalled the visit to Brunei Darussalam last May by His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, which reflected the warm relations and close friendship that have long been enjoyed by the two countries.

His Majesty hoped that this will continue to strengthen and also be further enhanced in time to come.

In ending the message, His Majesty, together with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, extended their best wishes on the occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and prayed that His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Her Majesty Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hjh Haminah, as well as the royal family, would always be under the protection of Allah the Almighty and that the government and people of Malaysia would always enjoy peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, in a message to Dato Laila Utama Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Majesty was happy and pleased with the very close and warm relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, and was most satisfied with the progress in cooperative relations that have been achieved by both countries bilaterally, regionally and internationally.

His Majesty appreciated the involvement and personal commitment of Dato Laila Utama Dato' Sri Mohd Najib in broadening cooperative relations in various fields for the benefit and welfare of the people of both countries.

His Majesty also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended during His Majesty's visit to Kuala Lumpur last April and looked forward to meeting the prime minister at the 16th Annual Consultations in September.

His Majesty and His Majesty's Government, as well as the people of Brunei Darussalam, also extended best wishes on the occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri to Dato Laila Utama Dato Sri' Mohd Najib and Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah, as well as the government and people of Malaysia.

In ending the message to the Malaysian premier, His Majesty prayed that on this auspicious occasion and in conjunction the month of Syawal, Allah the Almighty would always bestow him with guidance as well as blessings and protection.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, also sent a similar congratulatory message to his counterpart, Datuk Anifah Hj Aman, Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the 55th National Day of Malaysia.

His Royal Highness sent his warmest congratulations to him and to the government and people of Malaysia on their National Day.

His Royal Highness also thanked the Malaysian minister most warmly for his personal contributions to strengthening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

HRH looked forward to continuing to work together in the coming years in all areas of valuable cooperation that link the two countries as very close friends, neighbours and regional partners.

Finally, HRH sent his kindest regards and very best wishes to him and his family for a joyous Ramadhan and a very happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. - Borneo Bulletin (31 August 2012)