HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the President of the Republic of India, and Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, as well as the Government and people of the Republic of India on the occasion of the country’s Republic Day.

In the message to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, His Majesty stated that it was a great pleasure meeting him in New Delhi last month.

His Majesty said he looked forward to working with the President of the Republic of India in the years ahead to strengthen the long-standing cooperation between the two countries. His Majesty also extended his kindest regards and very best wishes for the good health and happiness of the President of the Republic of India.

In the message to Dr Manmohan Singh, His Majesty stated that it was indeed a pleasure to be in New Delhi last month and congratulated the Prime Minister of the Republic of India on the great success of the Asean-India Commemorative Summit.

His Majesty said he looked forward to working closely with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India in the months ahead to strengthen the much-valued and long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries, as well as the important partnership in the region. His Majesty also extended his kindest regards to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for a happy celebration.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a similar congratulatory message to his counterpart, Salman Kurshid, the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

“I have much pleasure in sending my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of India on your Republic Day,” HRH said in the message to Salman Kurshid.

“We much appreciate the many contributions of the Indian community living and working in Brunei and I look forward to working closely with you in the year ahead to strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation enjoyed by our countries and people.

“I would also like to congratulate you on the successful hosting of the Asean-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi last month and welcome your valuable support in our chairmanship of Asean this year, especially the Asean-India dialogue.” - Borneo Bulletin (26 January 2013)