Prez extends greetings to Japan on eve of national day

President Pranab Mukherjee today extended his greetings and felicitations to the Emperor and the people of Japan on the eve of that country's national day.
"On behalf of the government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of Your Majesty's birthday and the national day of Japan," President said in his message to Emperor Akihito.
India and Japan have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations and enduring goodwill between the people. Regular high-level exchanges between the two countries have helped to open new vistas of bilateral cooperation and have further strengthened age-old ties based on shared cultural and civilisational links.

Mukherjee said India-Japan bilateral relationship, characterised as a 'special strategic and global partnership', which is based on common values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and an abiding commitment to peace, is a force for stability in the region and beyond.
"I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Majesty's health and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan," he said in his message.