BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mui’zzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday sent congratulatory messages to Emperor Akihito of Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as the Japanese government and people on the occasion of the emperor’s 81st birthday.

In the message to the emperor, His Majesty said Brunei and Japan continue to enjoy excellent and longstanding relations. The monarch 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 the emperor and Empress Michiko.

In a message to the prime minister, His Majesty said it had been good to see the Japanese premier during the APEC meeting in Beijing and ASEAN meetings in Nay Pyi Taw last month.

His Majesty was also pleased to note that various events had been held this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei and Japan.

The monarch looked forward to continuing work together with the prime minister in strengthening the warm friendship shared bet-ween the two countries as well as close cooperation in the regional and international fora.

The monarch also conveyed his kindest regards and best wishes to the prime minister and for his continued good health and a very happy celebration.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also sent a congratulatory message to his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida.

HRH sent his warmest respects to the emperor, together with his congratulations to the government and people of Japan on the emperor’s birthday.

HRH said he was delighted with the number of activities that were organised this year to celebrate 30 years of friendship between the countries, and looked forward to continuing to strengthen the much valued cooperation shared by the two peoples.

HRH also sent his kindest regards and best wishes to the minister for a wonderful celebration and a happy new year.

The Brunei Times