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

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of Tuvalu on the eve of their National Day (October 1, 2015).

In his message toHis Excellency Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, the Governor General of Tuvalu, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India, and on my own behalf, I have the pleasure to extend to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Tuvalu warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your National Day.

India and Pacific Island countries have a multi-faceted relationship which was further strengthened after the successful 2nd Summit of Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held in India in August, 2015. We were honoured to receive H.E. Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu in India for the 2nd FIPIC Summit.

India and Tuvalu enjoy close bonds of friendship and co-operation. We both share a common desire to deepen our engagement in order to meet common challenges being faced by the region. I am confident that the relations between our two countries will continue to strengthen in the years to come for the benefit of our peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and personal well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Tuvalu”.

This Press Release issued at 1235 hrs.