The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Nauruon the eve of their National Day (January 31, 2017).

In a message to His Excellency Baron Divavesi Waqa, MP, the President of the Republic of Nauru, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I convey warm greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and people of the Republic of Nauru on the occasion of your National Day.

The traditional relationship of friendship and cooperation between our two countries has been growing stronger and has diversified to our shared satisfaction. India’s dialogue with the Pacific Island Countries under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation particularly the FIPIC - I Summit held in Suva in November, 2014 and FIPIC – II Summit held in Jaipur in August 2015, has given us opportunities to better understand and address the challenges faced by the Pacific Island Countries. Our collaboration in creating a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology in Nauru and our initiative in solar electrification of two hundred homes in Nauru through the training of"Solar Mamas” have been successful in enhancing our relationship in the field of IT, tele-medicine, tele-education and renewable energy.

I am confident that the fruitful cooperation between India and the Republic of Nauru will continue to bring benefit to both our peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Nauru”.

This Press Release issued at 1250 hrs.