HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has congratulated Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, and Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, on the nation’s Republic Day.

In the ruler’s message to the president, the monarch said he greatly appreciated the valued and longstanding ties between both countries and their people.

His Majesty added that he looked forward to working with the president to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Brunei and India.

The ruler also said it was great pleasure welcoming the prime minister to Brunei last year for the Asean Summit, thanking Manmohan for the support given during the country’s chairmanship.

In the message to the prime minister, His Majesty said he was looking forward to continuing the warm friendship enjoyed by the people of both countries and boosting the “important cooperation between both governments in their bilateral and international partnership”.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Australia Day, His Majesty congratulated Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia.

In his message to Bryce, the monarch express­ed his pleasure at meeting her in Canberra last year, emphasising that he appreciated the warm welcome and the hospitality of the Australian people during his visit.

The ruler further stated that he greatly valued her personal contributions to the excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by both governments.

His Majesty also said it was a pleasure to welcome Abbott to Brunei for last year’s Asean Summit, highlighting that Australia’s support during the chairmanship was greatly appreciated.

The ruler said he was looking forward to strengthening the valuable bilateral and international partnerships between both countries in the year ahead.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, congratulated his counterpart, Salman Khurshid, Minister of External Affair of India, on the country’s Republic Day.

“I’m very pleased to send my warmest congratulations to you, the government and the people of India.

“It was a pleasure to welcome you to Brunei during our Asean chairmanship last year and I thank you for the support. We appreciate the progress being made in our Asean-India dialogue.

“I look forward to working closely with you in the year ahead to continue strengthening this much-valued friendship and cooperation long enjoyed by our countries and people,” HRH said in his message.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah also congratulated Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, on Australia Day.

“I have great pleasure in sending my warmest congratulations to you, as well as the government and people of Australia.

“I much appreciate the excellent relations our countries have shared over the last 30 years as very close friends and regional partners.

“Thank you for Australia’s support during our Asean chairmanship.

“I look forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Asean-Australia dialogue relations at the commemorative summit in Myanmar later this year,” HRH added in the message. - Borneo Bulletin (26 January 2014)