His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, expresses his satisfaction with the warm and friendly relations and deep understanding that have so long been established between Brunei Darussalam and the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is hoped that the cordial ties would be maintained and enhanced in the future for the good of the two countries and people.

The message is contained in His Majesty's congratulatory message to the President of Iran, His Excellency Hojatole Eslam Seyyed Mohamed Khatami, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic. His Majesty also prays to Allah the Almighty that His Excellency will always remain in good health and happiness, and for the people of Iran to always enjoy continued progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, also sends a message of congratulations to his Iranian counterpart His Excellency Kamal Kharrazi. In his message, His Royal Highness congratulates His Excellency, the government and people of Iran on their National Day. His Royal Highness also expresses his appreciation on the friendship and goodwill shared by both countries, and looks forward to continuing to work together in enhancing these warm relations.

Some one hundred and sixty four students from eleven upper secondary schools throughout the country have received assistance in the form of learning aid from the Women Graduates Association under the scheme "Save Our Children".

The President of the Women Graduates Association, Datin Paduka Hajah Intan Binte Haji Mohd Kassim, in her welcoming remarks said that the assistance is one of the ongoing projects handled by the Association in supporting and encouraging school children to pursue their studies. It is also part of the Association's mission to educate them to become good citizens with high education, who one day will contribute to the country. This project is also aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of families with many children, as well as single and unemployed parents

Present at the function was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Jemat Bin Haji Ampal, who handed over the gifts to the children. It took place at the Ministry of Education. Since 2003, the Association has compiled a database on school children who need support to continue their education. Last month, some 250 lower secondary students received similar aid support.

The new year of Hijrah brings new hopes for couples who ushered in the Islam calender in a very special way - with a new member in their family. A total of 19 babies were born on the first of Muharram 1426 Hijrah. The babies were delivered in all the districts except the Tutong District. In Brunei Muara, 14 babies -8 baby boys and the rest girls including twins, were born on the first day of Muharram.

In a show of acknowledgment to the newborns and their parents, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and several financial institutions presented gifts to each of them. Each baby received a hamper containing clothes and baby care products. The Islamic Brunei Trust Fund, TAIB, opened the Takaful Family Plan for Education in the name of the babies, with an investment of 15-dollars per month for the next ten years. The Islamic Bank of Brunei, IBB, opened the Al-Wadiah Account with 500-dollar deposited by the Takaful IBB Berhad and IBB. Meanwhile the Islamic Development Bank of Brunei, IDBB, open the Junior Al-Wadiah Account with a deposit of 400-dollar.

The prize-giving presentation was held at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital. Among those present were the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Dr. Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain; and the Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Awang Haji Abu Bakar. Meanwhile similar functions were also held for the four newborns at the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Belait, and for the single baby born at the Temburong Hospital.

Two Murut siblings from the Temburong District have embraced Islam as their new faith.

The conversion ceremony for the two sisters took place at Kampung Kapok Jalan Muara Friday afternoon. It was conducted by officers from the Islamic Dakwah Centre.

The new converts are Dayang Rozita Azeemah Jumat, 25, and Dayang Nur'izzah Safiyyah Jumat, 21. Dayang Rozita is working with the Royal Brunei Airlines as a stewardess. Meanwhile, sister Dayang Nur'izzah is a school leaver. According to them, they choose to embrace Islam as their new faith on their own free will, with open hearts and minds.