The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Eritrea on the eve of their Independence Day (May 24, 2017).

In a message toHis Excellency Mr. Isaias Afwerki, the President of the State of Eritrea, the President has said, "On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the State of Eritrea, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Eritrea.

India and Eritrea have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations. I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened in the years to come, to the mutual benefit of our people.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Eritrea”.

This release issued 1345 hrs.