Australia congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and the Second Deputy Premier as well as the people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion its National Day. It wished the Kingdom stability and progress. This came in a message on this occasion by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The Australian Prime Minister highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's contribution and effective role in the Middle East and the Islamic world in general. The Prime Minister noted the Australian partnership and bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom and Australia at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace, stability and development in the Middle East. She stressed the strong commitment by the Australian Government to work and cooperate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the bilateral level or joint multilateral cooperation. Gaillard expressed happiness at the high numbers of Saudi students who receive their education in universities and institutes in Australia.