HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to His Imperial Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan and Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and the government and people of Japan on the auspicious occasion of the 81st birthday of His Imperial Majesty Akihito.

In the message to the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty stated that Brunei Darussalam and Japan continued to enjoy excellent and long-standing relations.

His Majesty stated that he was confident that the close friendship shared between the two countries would be further strengthened in the future.

In ending the message, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of His Imperial Majesty Akihito and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko.

In the message to the Prime Minister of Japan, His Majesty stated that it had been good to see Shinzo Abe last month during the Apec meeting in Beijing and the Asean meetings in Nay Pyi Taw.

His Majesty stated that he was pleased to note that various events had been held this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplo-matic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan.

His Majesty stated that he looked forward to continuing to work together with the Prime Minister of Japan in strengthening the warm friendship shared between the two countries and the close cooperation in regional and international fora.

In ending his message, His Majesty conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes to the Prime Minister of Japan for his continued good health and a very happy celebration.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also sent a congratulatory message to Fumio Kishida, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

His Royal Highness said, “I have much pleasure in sending my warmest respects to His Imperial Majesty, together with my congratulations to you and to the government and people of Japan on His Imperial Majesty’s birthday.

“I am delighted with the number of activities that were organised this year to celebrate 30 years of our friendship and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the much-valued cooperation shared by our people.

“With my kindest regards and best wishes to you for a wonderful celebration and a happy new year.” - Borneo Bulletin (25 December 2014)