The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Maldives on the eve of their Republic Day (November 11, 2015).

In his message toHis Excellency Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the President of the Republic of Maldives, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey to Your Excellency and to the people of the Republic of Maldives, warm felicitations and good wishes on the occasion of your Republic Day.

Our time tested and historical ties of friendship and cooperation have been focused achieving our common aspirations of peace, stability, progress and development. We should endeavour to make our people, especially the youth, more participative in the efforts of the two Governments to further our ties of mutual respect and understanding.

I am confident that we will see our relationship strengthen in the years to come to the mutual benefit of the peoples of both our countries.”

This Press Release issued at 1210 hrs.