HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to sent a message of congratulations to Francois Hollande, President of France, and the Government and people of France on the occasion of the National Day of France.

In the message, His Majesty “much appreciated the warm and friendly ties enjoyed by the people of Brunei Darussalam and France and the excellent cooperation shared by the governments of the two countries”.

His Majesty stated that it was a pleasure meeting President Hollande at the ASEM Summit in Laos last year and looked forward to working closely with him in strengthening bilateral relations in the years ahead.

In concluding the message, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes to President Hollande for a very happy Bastille Day celebration.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Laurent Fabius, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

His Royal Highness stated, “I take great pleasure in sending my warmest congratulations to you and to the Government and people of France on Bastille Day.

“I much appreciate the many years of friendship between our people and the valuable partnership shared by our countries in many important areas.

“I also greatly value the contributions of your countrymen and women living and working in Brunei to strengthening our long-standing cooperation. I looked forward to continuing our work to enhance our much-valued ties in the coming year.

“With my kindest regards and best wishes for a very happy ‘Quatorze Juillet’.” - Borneo Bulletin (14 July 2013)