The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the eve of their National Day (December 2, 2015).

In his message toHis Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have immense pleasure in extending warm greetings and felicitations to Your Highness and to the people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of your National Day.

India’s friendly and warm relations with the United Arab Emirates, rooted in ancient trade and cultural links, are nourished by people-to-people contacts and regular exchange of high-level visits. The successful visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates in August this year has provided a fresh impetus to our bilateral engagement and elevated it to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I look forward to working closely with Your Highness to further expand and deepen our bilateral relations.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Highness my best wishes for your personal good health and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the United Arab Emirates”.

This Press Release issued at 1400 hrs.