The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people ofthe Republic of Tunisia on the eve of theirNational Day (March 20, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Beji Caid Essebsi, the President of the Republic of Tunisia,the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Tunisia warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your National Day.

I admire the significant progress made by the Government and leadership of Tunisia in the transition towards an enduring democracy. Relations between our two countries are close and friendly. I appreciate Tunisian Foreign Minister’s participation in the 3rd India – Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 and your Foreign Minister’s interaction with our External Affairs Minister at Manama, Bahrain during the first India-Arab Ministerial meet on 24th January 2016. I am confident that these bonds of friendship and cooperation will be further strengthened and diversified in the coming years to the mutual benefit of our two countries.

I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the people of Tunisia.”

This Press Release issued at 1000 hrs.