OREANDA-NEWS. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Gabon on the eve of their National Day (August 17, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, the President of the Republic of Gabon, 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 convey warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the Government and people of Gabon on the occasion of your National Day.

I am confident that our cooperative bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the coming years to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

The relations between our two countries have matured into a strategic partnership. The year 2015 witnessed exchanges high level visits that have contributed to the enhancement of our cooperation across the full spectrum of areas of our common interest. India is committed to further strengthen our partnership through the five – pronged initiative agreed by our two nations, which includes robust strategic engagement, defence and security cooperation, comprehensive economic partnership, cultural and people-to-people links and cooperation in responding to common challenges. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

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