The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt on the eve of their National Day (July 23, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Egypt on the occasion of your National Day.

It is a matter of satisfaction that our two countries share historically warm and traditionally friendly ties. We are happy to see the successful completion of the political roadmap envisaged by Your Excellency with the Egyptian Parliament assuming their responsibilities. We remain confident that the Egyptian Government and its people will benefit from your vision for the country and implement the reforms agenda which you have set.

India views Egypt as an important partner in the Arab world and valued your participation and contribution in the India Africa Forum Summit – III held last year in New Delhi. We welcome the recent intensification of our wide ranging cooperation in diverse areas of our common interest. India and Egypt share similar socio-economic challenges which necessitate our close cooperation and collaboration for mutual benefit. I am happy to note that our two countries have been cooperating closely in multilateral fora.

I take this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency my best wishes for your good health and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Egypt.”

This Press Release issued at 1150 hrs.