Royal messages to Myanmar

HIS MAJESTY the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Myanmar's Chairman of the State of Peace and Development Council and Myanmar's Prime Minister on the occasion of the country's 60th independence day.

In the message to Senior General Than Shwe, His Majesty expressed satisfaction with the continued strengthening of relations between Brunei and Myanmar and further hopes the relations would be maintained for the benefit of both countries and its people.

His Majesty also hoped that the leader would remain in good health and happiness and for the people of Myanmar to enjoy continued progress and prosperity.

In a similar congratulatory message to Prime Minister General Thein Sein, the monarch congratulated the premier on the occasion of Myanmar's independence day and wished him continued good health and happiness.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah sent his "warmest congratulations" to U Nyan Win, Myanmar's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the country's independence day.

"I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our much valued bilateral relations, as well as our cooperation in Asean," the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.

With an estimated population of 47 million, Myanmar gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and is currently ruled by the military regime since 1962.

Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, with the United States of America imposing economic sanctions against the country for its poor human rights record.

Almost three quarters of Myanmar's population either grows or processes crops, and with about 10 per cent of its population working in the industrial sector.

The Brunei Times