PM Modi greets his Japanese counterpart Abe on his birthday

New Delhi: 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 Shinzo Abe a Happy Birthday! I pray for his long life, good health and 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 Shinzo Abe, I cannot but marvel at his insight and expertise on a wide range of issues, both local and international."

"Both PM Shinzo Abe & I are committed to taking India-Japan relations to the next level and contributing to global peace & 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.