President Mukherjee congratulates Saudi Arabia king on his accession to throne

Salman became king on 23 January 2015 following the death of his half brother, King Abdullah

President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday extended his greetings and felicitations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on his accession to the throne.

"It gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, to Your Majesty on your accession to the throne. We wish Your Majesty a long and prosperous reign," the President said in a message.

"Relations between our two friendly countries have historically been close, characterized by extensive people-to-people contacts and deep mutual respect. I am confident that the ongoing cooperation across the full spectrum of political, economic and cultural activities between our two countries will continue to diversify and further strengthen for the mutual benefit of our two peoples," he added.

"Please accept, Your Majesty, our best wishes for your success and personal well-being, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he added.