His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send congratulatory messages to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen; and to the government and people of Cambodia on the occasion of its 59th Independence Day celebration.

In the message to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the monarch said he looked forward to renewed opportunities in strengthening both the personal friendship and warm bilateral ties between the two countries, and also looked forward to the pleasure of meeting His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni at the 21st Asean Summit.

Meanwhile, in a message to Hun Sen, the monarch said he much appreciated the work done together in Asean over the past year, and hopes to have the continued opportunity of strengthening the close and personal friendship and much valued ties between the two countries.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam added that it was a pleasure seeing Hun Sen in Brunei Darussalam for His Majesty's daughter's wedding, and looked forward to seeing him again at the Asean Summit this month.

In ending the message to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, His Majesty extended his kindest regards and best wishes. The monarch also extended his kindest regards to Hun Sen and his very best wishes for a successful Asean meeting.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darusalam, also sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart, Hor Nam Hong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the occasion of the 59th Independence Day of Cambodia.

HRH said, "It gives me great pleasure to send my respects to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of the Kingdom of Cambodia on your Independence Day."

HRH looked forward to continuing working together in the coming year to strengthen the close personal friendship and excellent bilateral cooperation so happily enjoyed between the people of both countries.

HRH also offered his warmest congratulations to him and his government on their chairmanship of Asean this year, and extended thanks for the warm hospitality HRH had received during a visit to Phnom Penh.

HRH also wished him much success in hosting the forthcoming 21st Asean Summit. - Borneo Bulletin (9 November 2012)