New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee has extended his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Australia on the occasion of that country's National Day on January 26.

“On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to your Excellency and to the people of Australia on the occasion of your National Day," said Mukherjee in his message to General Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (retd), governor general of Australia. 

"It is a matter of satisfaction that India’s ties with Australia have grown in strength over recent years in a wide range of areas of our common interest. We look forward to sustaining this momentum to the mutual benefit of our people," he added.

Mukherjee said: "Please accept my best wishes for your good health and happiness. I take this opportunity to convey, through you, my best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Australia”.