Modi greets Japanese PM Shinzo Abe on his birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on his birthday and said that both of them are committed to taking India-Japan ties to the next level.

"Wishing @AbeShinzo a Happy Birthday! I pray for his long life, good health & wish him the best in leading Japan to new heights of progress," the prime minister tweeted.

Recalling his interactions with the Japanese Prime Minister, Modi said, "Whenever I interact with @AbeShinzo, I cannot but marvel at his insight & expertise on a wide range of issues, both local & international."

"Both PM @AbeShinzo & I are committed to taking India-Japan relations to the next level & contributing to global eace & development," he said.

Modi, who turned 64 on September 17, had received a call from Abe who wished him on his birthday, in a reflection of the special bonding the two prime ministers enjoy.

The prime minister visited Japan only in the beginning of this month and the warmth between the two leaders was at display during that time.

Separately, Modi also congratulated New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and his National Party for winning the general election held on Saturday.

"Congratulations to @johnkeypm & the NZ National Party for the victory in the General Election," Modi tweeted.

Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe after visiting the Toji Temple in Kyoto Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo