The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Guatemala on the eve of their Independence Day (September 15, 2015).

In his message toHis Excellency General (Ret.) Otto Fernando Perez Molina, the President of the Republic of Guatemala, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and people of India and on my own behalf, I have the pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your Independence Day.

India and Guatemala have a tradition of friendship and close ties. Our bilateral relations are also being strengthened under the India-SICA Dialogue, to which India attaches great importance. I am confident that our multi-faceted cooperation will be enhanced to our mutual benefit in the years to come.

On this occasion, I wish to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your personal well being and the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Guatemala.”

This Press Release issued at 1230 hrs.