New Delhi, June 1 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee extended his greetings and felicitations to the people of Italy on their Republic Day, which falls on Thursday.
In a message to his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella, he said: "On behalf of the government, people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of Italy on the occasion of your Republic Day."
"India and Italy have a long tradition of friendship based on shared values and complementarities. India looks forward to the strengthening of our relationship with Italy in all sectors of mutual interest.
"I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your personal well-being as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Italy," he added.
Italy celebrates its Republic Day on June 2, to mark the day when it changed from a monarchy to a republic in 1946.