BRUNEI DARUSSALAM NATINAL DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Brunei Darussalam National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 20, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send my best wishes and congratulations to the people of Brunei Darussalam as you celebrate your 29th National Day this February 23.

Over 160 years ago, the United States and Brunei signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, which proclaimed that "Peace, friendship, and good understanding shall from henceforward and forever subsist between" our two countries. It is my pleasure to renew the spirit of that commitment. Our two countries are working together on a dynamic bilateral and regional agenda to promote stability and economic growth. We are partnering on initiatives to promote commercial interests, expand educational opportunities and people to people connections, and increase English language instruction in ASEAN. We especially look forward to working together this year under the auspices of the U.S.-Asia Pacific Comprehensive Partnership for a Sustainable Energy Future.

The United States will continue to work closely with Brunei as it chairs ASEAN and hosts the East Asian Summit this year. We are eager to share the example of the successful friendship between our two countries with the entire region. I send you our warmest wishes for continued peace and prosperity in the year to come.