The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Cubaon the eve of their National Day (January 1, 2016).

In his message toHis Excellency Mr. Raul Castro Ruz, the President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, the Republic of Cuba, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of the Republic of Cuba on the occasion of your National Day.

India and Cuba have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations which have been strengthened during the period of your stewardship of the Government of Cuba.

The visit of Cuba's First Vice President to India earlier this year has imparted a fresh momentum to our partnership. Our two countries can look forward to further cooperation in science and technology, specialized areas of medicine including tele-medicine and medical instrumentation, biotechnology, sugar technology and remote sensing as well as processing of satellite imaging – among other fields. We look forward to such active engagement between our Governments and private sectors for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency's well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Cuba”.

This Press Release issued at 1315 hrs.