His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send a congratulatory message to Lee Myung-Bak, President of the Republic of Korea, as well as the Government and people of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea.

In the message to Lee Myung-Bak, His Majesty expressed high appreciation for the longstanding and valuable cooperation that exists between the two countries, as well as the warm and close friendship enjoyed by the peoples of Brunei and Korea.

His Majesty looked forward to working with the president to strengthen the important ties in both bilateral and regional endeavours.

In ending the message, the monarch extended his kindest regards to the president.

His Majesty also consented to send a congratulatory message to Joachim Gauck, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of Germany's Reunification Day.

In the message to the president, His Majesty greatly valued the long-established friendship and goodwill shared by the two countries and looked forward to continuing to strengthen relations, both bilaterally and as partners in the Asean-EU Dialogue and Asia-Europe Meeting.

In ending his message, the monarch extended his kindest regards and very best wishes to the president.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Kim Sung Hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, the Government and people of Korea on the occasion of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea.

In his message to the Korean minister, HRH looked forward to continuing to work to strengthen the much-valued bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

HRH thanked him for the warm welcome and hospitality given to the Brunei delegation at the Yeosu Expo 2012, and also congratulated his government and the people of Yeosu on the success of the impressive exposition.

HRH also sent a congratulatory message to Guido Westerwelle, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the occasion of German Unity Day.

HRH congratulated him, the Government and people of Germany on their Day of Germany Unity, and expressed great appreciation for the warm, friendly relations enjoyed by the peoples and the valuable cooperation between both countries.

HRH looked forward to continuing to work together as bilateral partners and through the Asean-EU Dialogue and the Asia-Europe Meeting. - Borneo Bulletin (3 October 2012)