HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to deliver a message to mark the Commonwealth Day today.

Highlighting the theme this year, which is ‘Team Commonwealth’, His Majesty said teamwork leads to creating peaceful societies and achieving sustainable progress and called on the nations to make sure the Commonwealth remains distinctive, effective and relevant.

The Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March every year. This year, it falls today, March 10, 2014.

Following is the full text of His Majesty’s message:

Today, my Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam celebrate the Commonwealth Day in the spirit of friendship that has united us with fellow members for the past 30 years. Based on our shared values and principles, we have continued to work together towards our mutual goals, and this is indeed the thrust behind this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, ‘Team Commonwealth’.

We should remember that the essence of creating peaceful societies and achieving sustainable progress also hinges upon our cooperation with one another. This is why we are encouraged by the teamwork within the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, in support of economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development. This is further exemplified by the continued efforts of member countries within the Commonwealth family to bring about practical outcomes for our people.

The upcoming Commonwealth Games 2014 is what certainly makes this year’s theme more appropriate. Our gathering in Glasgow will demonstrate the dynamic team spirit within and between our nations. It will provide a good impetus for us all to continue supporting and assisting each other in overcoming the many challenges that we face towards achieving the aspirations of our organisation. This is very important in ensuring that the Commonwealth remains distinctive, effective and relevant.

Our hope is to provide the best future for our people and throughout the Commonwealth through the strengthening of the bond of friendship and unity among ourselves and by moving forward as one team towards safeguarding the peace and development of the modern world. - Borneo Bulletin (10 March 2014)