New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in August this year provided a fresh impetus to the bilateral engagement between the two countries, President Pranab Mukherjee said today.

President Mukherjee greeted UAE on its National Day and said: "I have immense pleasure in extending warm greetings and felicitations to Your Highness and to the people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of your National Day."

"The successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates in August this year has provided a fresh impetus to our bilateral engagement and elevated it to a comprehensive strategic partnership," he said.

He said the relationship between UAE and India was friendly and was rooted in ancient trade and cultural links.

"I look forward to working closely with Your Highness to further expand and deepen our bilateral relations," he added.

UAE celebrates its National Day on December 2.