The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Emir and people of the State of Qatar on the eve of their National Day (December 18, 2016).

In a message to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, the President has said, "I am pleased to extend to Your Highness and to the friendly people of the State of Qatar warm greetings and heartiest felicitations on the occasion of the Your National Day.

India deeply values its close and time-tested relations with Qatar, which have been enhanced by regular high-level exchanges.Our mutually beneficial ties, based on extensive people-to-people contacts and historical linkages, are marked by exceptional warmth and goodwill. I firmly believe that our bilateral cooperation will further deepen and strengthen in the coming years for the benefit of our two peoples.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Highness my best wishes for your personal good health and well-being, as also for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the State of Qatar”.

This Press Release issued at 1200 hrs.