Israel's president, Shimon Peres, has sent warm wishes to Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Peres, noting the Queen's recent birthday as well as the 60th anniversary of her Coronation, said it was "a welcome opportunity to extend, on behalf of the people of Israel and myself, warmest wishes and sincere congratulations for Your Majesty's well-being, for the happiness of the Royal House and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Great Britain."

The Queen, he said, represented "The great spirit of Great Britain, a spirit of respect and freedom recognised all over the world."

President Peres is expected in Britain during the summer Olympic Games.