The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the eve of 24th Anniversary of their Independence Day (December 16, 2015).

In a message toHis Excellency Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 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 Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 24th Anniversary of your Independence.

It gives me immense pleasure to note that Kazakhstan has made impressive progress in all spheres in the last twenty four years under your leadership. Bilateral relations between our two countries have also progressed steadily into a strategic partnership. The visit of the Prime Minister of India to Kazakhstan in July, 2015 has further deepened our partnership and opened up new avenues for cooperation. I am confident that our friendly relations will continue to scale new heights in the future and contribute towards the further development and prosperity of our peoples.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your personal well being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Kazakhstan”.

This Press Release issued at 1230 hrs.