Mukherjee greets Azerbaijan on eve of its Republic Day

President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday greeted and felicitated the government and people of Azerbaijan on eve of their Republic Day.

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey to you and to the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your Republic Day," said President Mukherjee in his message to Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Mukherjee said both the nations enjoyed close relations founded on close historical and cultural linkages.

"India and Azerbaijan enjoyed cordial relations based on the traditionally close historical and cultural linkages between the two nations. I am confident that our multifaceted bilateral cooperation will continue to strengthen and diversify to our mutual benefit in the years to come. We look forward to further intensifying our engagement with Azerbaijan in the various spheres of our mutual interest," he said.

"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 Azerbaijan," he added.

The Republic of Azerbaijan celebrates its Republic Day on May 28 every year.