President of India’s Message on the Eve of National Day of Japan

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Emperor and people of Japan on the eve of the National Day of Japan(December 23, 2014).

In his message toHis Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of Your Majesty’s Birthday and the National Day of Japan.

India and Japan have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations and enduring goodwill between our peoples. Regular high-level exchanges between our two countries have helped to open new vistas of bilateral cooperation and have further strengthened our age-old ties based on shared cultural and civilisational links. Our bilateral relationship, characterised as a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’, which is based on common values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and an abiding commitment to peace, is a force for stability in our region and beyond.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Majesty’s health and well-being, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan”.

This Press Release issued at 1200 hrs.