The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Kyrgyz Republicon the eve of their Independence Day (August 31, 2016).

In a message toHis Excellency Mr. Almazbek Atambaev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic,the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of the Kyrgyz Republic on the occasion of your Independence Day.

The close ties of friendship and cooperation between our democracies are based on shared values and mutual understanding. I am confident that our relationship will continue to expand and strengthen in the years to come. I look forward to Your Excellency’s visit to India later this year – and to working with you to further enhance our bilateral partnership.

I take this opportunity to convey my good wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and well- being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

This release issued at 1310 hrs.