HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to Dato Laila Utama Dr Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia as well as to the Government and the people on the occasion of the country’s 68th Independence Day.

In a message to President Yudhoyono, His Majesty expressed pleasure and appreciation for the warm and close friendship that have long existed between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia and hoped that the relationship would continue to endure and strengthen further in time to come at bilateral, regional and international level in the interest of both countries and people, respectively.

His Majesty also expressed highest appreciation to the Indonesian President for the support offered to Brunei Darussalam as Chairman of Asean during this year and looked forward to welcoming him to Brunei Darussalam again to attend the Asean Summit meetings in October.

His Majesty ended the message by wishing President Yudhoyono and Datin Hajah Ibu Ani and family as well as the people of the Republic of Indonesia the best in celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri while praying that Allah the Almighty would bestow blessings for the continuous good health of the Indonesian President and his family and for the peace and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Indonesia.

Meanwhile His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah in his capacity as Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade congratulated Dr R M Marty M Natalegawa, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day.

His Royal Highness in his message said, “I am very happy to send my warmest congratulations to you and to the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia on your 68th Independence Day.

“I much appreciate the valuable and long-standing cooperation between our countries and the close ties of friendship between our people and look forward to continue to strengthen our partnership in many areas of our bilateral and regional work.

“I especially thank you for your continued support and contributions to our Asean Chairmanship this year and look forward to our important discussions in the months ahead.

“”My kindest regards to you and your family for a happy Independence Day together, with my very best wishes for a joyous and festive Aidilfitri.” - Borneo Bulletin (17 August 2013)