Look forward to continue friendship with Obama: PM

New Delhi, Nov 7: Prime Minister

on Wednesday congratulated

President

on his re-election, saying he looks forward to continuing their "friendship" and "rewarding association" as much more can be done together to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.

In his congratulatory message to Obama, Singh referred to the association between the two leaders over the past four years and recalled that cooperation between the two countries has not only been advanced across the full spectrum of ties but engagement has been deepened.

"Dear Mr President, it gives me great pleasure to convey to you my warmest congratulations on your re-election as the President of the United States," said the letter.

The Prime Minister said the renewed confidence that people of the USA have reposed in Mr Obama was a tribute to his "qualities of head and heart" and is an indication of the faith that the American people have in his leadership.

Referring to their association during Obama's first tenure, Singh wrote, "over the last four years, consistent with our vision of a global strategic partnership between India and the United States, the ties between our two democracies have seen sustained growth.

"We have not only advanced cooperation across the full spectrum of our bilateral relationship but also deepened our engagement in the pursuit of global peace, stability and prosperity."

Noting that he "personally valued our friendship", Singh said, "I look forward to continuing our rewarding association in order to build further on the enduring foundations of our shared values and the accomplishments of the past four years."

Singh said his wife Gursharan Kaur joined him in wishing Obama and his wife Michelle, as well as daughters Malia and Sasha, good health, success and happiness as he prepares for a new term in office.

The external affairs ministry said the government and people of India send their congratulations to Mr Obama on his winning a second mandate.

"India and the US have developed extensive bilateral cooperation and partnership based on shared values based on the belief in democracy, the rule of law and pluralism. We look forward to continuing to deepen and widen the engagement between India and the US in the years ahead," it said in a statement.

PTI