HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send messages of congratulations to Bangladeshi Acting President Abdul Hamid and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed on the occasion of the Independence Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

In the message to Abdul Hamid, His Majesty said he was pleased with the warm and close friendship and cooperation shared between the two countries and looked forward to working with the acting president to strengthen these much-valued ties.

In the message to Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the monarch said he much appreciated the warm and friendly ties shared by the two countries and people, and looked forward to further opportunities to continue working with the prime minister in strengthening these valuable ties.

In ending the message, His Majesty sent his regards and best wishes to the acting president and the prime minister, and wished for continued good health and happiness for the people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh with progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a congratulatory message to Dr DipuMoni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on the occasion of their Independence Day.

HRH congratulated her, the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the country’s independence day, adding that HRH greatly values the warm friendship both countries share, and appreciates the much-valued contribution to Brunei’s development made by her people living and working in Brunei Darussalam.

HRH looks forward to continuing to work together to strengthen both countries’ bilateral and international cooperation. - Borneo Bulletin (26 March 2013)