His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send messages of congratulations to Singaporean President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Government and people of Singapore on the occasion of the 47th National Day of the Republic of Singapore.

In the message to President Dr Tony Tan, His Majesty very much appreciated the excellent cooperation and warm friendship enjoyed by the two countries and peoples, and looked forward to enhancing these long-standing and valuable ties when His Majesty has the pleasure of welcoming Dr Tony Tan to Brunei next year.

In ending the message, the monarch extended his kindest regards and best wishes for the president's continued good health and happiness.

In the message to Prime Minister Lee, His Majesty said he has always attached great importance to the long-established and excellent bilateral cooperation between Brunei and Singapore, as well as the warm personal ties so happily enjoyed by peoples, at all levels, from the two countries.

The monarch also looked forward to the pleasure of welcoming the prime minister to Brunei this October and the opportunity to strengthen the much-valued relations between the two countries as close friends and neighbours.

In ending the message, the monarch extended his kindest regards and best wishes to the prime minister and his family for a happy celebration.

Meanwhile, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a congratulatory message to K Shanmugam, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore.

In the message, HRH said, "I am very happy to send my warmest congratulations to you and the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore on your 47th National Day.

"I much appreciate the work we have done together over the past year as good friends and very important partners and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our countries' much-valued cooperation.

"It was a pleasure seeing you in Brunei last April for the Asean-EU Meeting and I thank you once again for your contribution to its success.

"I wish you and your family and all Singaporeans, both at home and overseas, a wonderful celebration," HRH said. - Borneo Bulletin (9 August 2012)