New Delhi, June 25 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday greeted the government and people of the Republic of Madagascar on the eve of their national day.

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey to you, to the government and the people of the Republic of Madagascar, warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your National Day," President Mukherjee said in his message to his Madagascan counterpart Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

"India and Madagascar enjoy a long tradition of friendship and cooperation. I am confident that our close bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the coming years to the mutual benefit of our two peoples," an official release here cited the president as saying.

"Please accept, excellency, my best wishes for your personal health and well-being, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Madagascar," he added.

Madagascar gained independence in 1960 from French colonial rule.