India, Indonesia natural partners for cooperation: President Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi, Oct 20: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said India looked forward to working with Indonesia to "further strengthen the close and friendly relations" as both the countries were "natural partners for mutually beneficial cooperation".

In a message to Joko Widodo, who took over as president of Indonesia earlier in the day, Mukherjee said: "As the world's two largest democracies and dynamic economies with strong complementarities and common challenges, we are natural partners for mutually beneficial cooperation."

"I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between our two countries," he added.

Mukherjee further said India and Indonesia were "friendly neighbours" with historical contacts and civilizational interaction that have "enriched both societies".

"Our two countries have established close understanding in key areas of common interest and have adopted a five-pronged initiative for strengthening our strategic partnership that includes robust strategic engagement, defence and security cooperation, comprehensive economic partnership and cultural as well as people to-people links."

"I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your personal well-being and success and the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Indonesia," Mukherjee added.

IANS