New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Monday expressed confidence that the "mutually beneficial cooperation" between India and Bahrain will continue to "deepen and expand".

In a message to Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on the eve of that nation's National Day (Dec 16), he said: "India deeply values its close and friendly relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, marked by vibrant people-to-people contacts...

"The landmark state visit to India by your majesty in February this year has taken this bilateral partnership to new heights," Mukherjee said in a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement.

"I am confident the mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries will continue to deepen and expand in the years to come," Mukherjee said.

"It gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to your majesty and to the friendly people of Bahrain on the occasion of the National Day.

"Please accept, my best wishes for your good health and well-being, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bahrain."