President Mukherjee hails Australia for backing India's candidacy at UNSC

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday appreciated Australia's support for India's candidature to an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), adding that it is an opportune time for the two countries.

"India is grateful for Australia's cooperation in multilateral and regional fora. It appreciates Australia's support for India's candidature to an expanded UN Security Council," the President said, welcoming Australia Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove to the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

General Sir Cosgrove is visiting India to mark 20 years since he attended the 34th national Defence College (NDC) course.

President Mukherjee further noted the recent high-level bilateral visits that took place between the two nations.

"It is an opportune time for India and Australia. After a gap of many decades, both the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers have made reciprocal visits to each other's country within months of each other. Agreements/MoUs have been signed for co-operation in key areas," he said.

"Relations between the two countries have never been better. India and Australia are both strong, vibrant, secular, multicultural democracies with a free press, independent judicial system and common links through the English language and cricket. There is a growing Indian community in Australia," he added.

For his part, General Sir Peter Cosgrove said relations have taken off and he looks forward to celebrating the flourishing of relations between the two countries during his term as Governor General.