HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a message of congratulations to Benigno Simeon C Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, as well as to the Government and the people of the Republic of the Philippines on the occasion of the 115th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines.

In the message, His Majesty greatly appreciated the Philippine president’s personal contributions in strengthening the long-standing friendship and co-operation between the two countries and looked forward to continuing to work together in enhancing these much-valued relations, bilaterally and as close regional and international partners.

His Majesty also expressed his great pleasure at meeting Mr Aquino in Manila last April and looked forward to welcoming him to Brunei in October for the meetings.

In ending the message, His Majesty extended his kindest regards and very best wishes to the Philippine President.

His Majesty also sent a message of congratulations to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, as well as the Government and people of the Russian Federation on the occasion of the anniversary of the National Day of the Russian Federation.

In the message, His Majesty greatly appreciated the warm friendship and close cooperation that existed between the two countries and looked forward to continuing to work with the Russian president to strengthen this most valued bilateral and international partnership.

His Majesty looked forward to joining Putin for the upcoming G20 Summit and also to welcome him to Brunei Darussalam in October for the Asean meetings.

His Majesty ended the message by extending his warmest regards and very best wishes to the Rissian president for a most auspicious celebration.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, sent a congratulatory message to Albert F Del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines on the occasion of their independence day.

HRH appreciated the valuable contribution made by the countrymen and women living and working in Brunei and the friendly and close ties of friendship shared by the people.

HRH looked forward to welcoming him in Brunei next month for the Asean meetings and thanked him personally for his continuous support of Brunei’s Chairmanship this year.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness also sent a congratulatory message to Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation on the occasion of their National Day.

His Royal Highness sent his warmest congratulations to him, the Government and people of Russia and expressed great appreciation of the good progress made in both countries’ bilateral relations and the increasing cooperation that both have seen in their regional work together.

HRH looked forward to welcoming him in Brunei for the Asean meetings next month and wished him much success in the preparations to host the G20 Summit in St Petersburg in September. - Borneo Bulletin (12 June 2013)