ISLAMABAD: Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has extended his warm wishes to President Mamnoon Hussain on Pakistan Day which will be observed on Wednesday.

“Please accept my greetings on the occasion on the national day of Pakistan,” the Indian president said in a letter to his Pakistani counterpart.

The Indian leader expressed the hope for better bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries and said: “India remains committed to peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan.”

President Mukherjee said he hoped that cooperation between Pakistan and India would be beneficial not just for the two countries but the entire region.

“I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your good health and well-being. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

An official of the Presidency said President Hussain would receive the letter on Tuesday and was likely to reply to his Indian counterpart the same day.

On Jan 26, President Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had greeted their Indian counterparts on India’s 67th Republic Day.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2016