HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send messages of congratulations to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China; and Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The message to President Xi Jinping stated that His Majesty very much valued the longstanding cooperation enjoyed by the two countries as bilateral partners and close regional neighbours and looked forward to continuing efforts to strengthen the friendship between the two peoples for mutual progress and prosperity.

The message to Premier Li Keqiang stated that His Majesty greatly appreciated the close friendship enjoyed by the peoples and governments of the two countries and looked forward to continuing work together bilaterally and as regional and international partners.

His Majesty also looked forward to the official visit of Premier Li Keqiang to Brunei Darussalam next week as an important opportunity to strengthen the valuable and long established ties between the two countries.

In ending the messages, His Majesty extended his kindest regards to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a congratulatory message to Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

His Royal Highness said, “I am pleased to send my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of China on the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.

“I would also like to thank you and your wife very much for the wonderful welcome and very kind hospitality we received on our visit to Beijing in August. It has been a pleasure working with you this year and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation shared by our governments and people.

“With my kindest regards and best wishes to you and your family for a joyous celebration.” - Borneo Bulletin (1 October 2013)