New Delhi, May 31 (IANS): India and Kenya share common views on issues of regional and global interest and cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday.

"Based on historical linkages between our people, the relations between our two countries have traditionally been warm and friendly," the President said while congratulating the people of Kenya on the eve of 'Madaraka Day'.

Madaraka Day, which is celebrated on June 1, commemorates the day that Kenya attained internal self-rule in 1963, ahead of full independence from Britain on December 12, 1963.

Mukherjee said in his message to Kenyan President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta: "Our countries also share common views on issues of regional and global interest and cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora. Our bilateral engagement has been further strengthened in recent years by the expansion of trade and commerce."

"I am confident that, in the years to come, our cooperation will grow from strength to strength to the mutual benefit of our two peoples."

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to convey to you, to the government and the people of Kenya, my warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your Madaraka Day," he said in his message.