The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Benin on the eve of their National Day (August 1, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Patrice Talon, the President of the Republic of Benin, 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 convey warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the Government and the friendly people of the Republic of Benin on the occasion of your National Day.

India and Benin enjoy warm and friendly relations.I am confident that our bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the coming years – to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and well-being as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Benin.”

This Press Release issued at 1345 hrs.