HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a message of congratulations to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of his recent appointment as President of the People’s Republic of China.

In the message, His Majesty wished Xi Jinping much success in his future endeavours and looked forward to working with President Xi in strengthening the long standing and close cooperation shared by the two countries, and the important partnership in the region.

In concluding the message, His Majesty extended his warmest regards and best wishes to the President of the People’s Republic of China.

China’s parliament formally elected Xi Jinping as President on Thursday, completing the country’s second orderly political succession since the Communist Party took power in 1949, Reuters reported.

The National People’s Congress chose Xi in a tightly scripted ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, putting the final seal of approval on a generational transition of power. Xi was appointed party and military chief in November.

The 59-year-old was also elected head of the Central Military Commission, a parallel government post to the party’s top military position which he already holds, ensuring that he has full power over the party, state and armed forces. - Borneo Bulletin (15 March 2013)