On 23 February 2026, the President of the Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, sent a message of congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, marking the 42nd anniversary of Brunei’s National Day.

In his message, President Thongloun stated:

"On behalf of the Lao people and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Majesty and to all the people of Brunei Darussalam on the auspicious occasion of your 42nd National Day.

"We highly value the great and comprehensive achievements in nation-building and development that the people of Brunei Darussalam have attained under Your Majesty’s resolute and wise leadership. These efforts have ensured Brunei Darussalam’s continued stability, robust development, and an increasingly prominent role within the regional and international arenas.

"The Lao PDR attaches great importance to further strengthening the friendly relations and excellent cooperation of our Strategic Partnership with Brunei Darussalam. We are committed to deepening these ties to bring practical benefits to the peoples of our two nations, as well as to promote peace, stability, and cooperation for sustainable development both regionally and globally."

The President concluded by offering his best wishes for the health and wellbeing of His Majesty and the Royal Family, expressing his hope for the continued prosperity of the Bruneian people.

On the same day, the Lao Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone, also dispatched a congratulatory message to the Sultan. Additionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, extended greetings to his counterpart, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, the 2nd Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam.

KPL