In a congratulatory message, Jiang expressed his best wishes to Brunei on behalf of the Chinese people and in his own name, noting the remarkable economic and social achievements Brunei has made under Bolkiah's leadership since its founding.

Honored as the "state of peace," Brunei has been playing an important role in regional stability and prosperity, Jiang said.

China and Brunei have maintained a good-neighborly relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties 12 years ago and both sides have striven to strengthen their relations, especially cooperation in the petrochemical sector, the Chinese president said.

Jiang believed that mutual efforts would continue to push forward the relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan also sent a congratulatory message to his Brunei counterpart, Prince Pengiran Muda Mohamad Bolkiah. Noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries have gained momentum in their development in the past year, Tang hoped that the two sides will continue to boost their cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2003)