The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Somalia on the eve of their National Day (July 01, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of the Federal Republic of Somalia on the occasion of your National Day.

India and Somalia have historically enjoyed warm and friendly relations. India remains committed to work together with Somalia as it continues to make sustained progress towards peace and socio-economic development.

Excellency, during your recent visit to New Delhi for the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), and during your meeting held with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, various possibilities of furtherance of our bilateral relations were discussed. I am confident that these relations will be further strengthened and diversified to our mutual benefit in the years ahead. It was a pleasure, Excellency, for my Government and the State of Madhya Pradesh to host you in Bhopal and confer upon you the Honorary D. Lit. during your visit to India for IAFS.

As part of our commitment to Somalia’s institution building efforts, twenty Somali diplomats were imparted training during September-October 2015 at India’s premier diplomats’ training institute in New Delhi.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my good wishes for your personal well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Somalia.”

This Press Release issued at 1545 hrs.