Ahmadinejad Congratulates Mukherjee On Election As New Indian President

Tehran, July 30, IRNA – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a message on Sunday congratulated newly elected Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on his election to the post. Presidential office website on Sunday quoted the President as saying in his message: “I am willing to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on his Excellency’s election as India’s President.” The message read that Iran-India ties have rich background, being well supported by strong cultural and civilization bonds. He said the ties have over recent years expanded in political, cultural and economic spheres. He hoped that bilateral relations would be upgraded the favorable level during the Indian president’s tenure. The message said that ongoing developments in the region and new international conditions necessitate consolidation of cooperation between Iran and India and strengthening regional stability and development. He also wished prosperity, health and success for the Indian president and prosperous life for the Indian government and nation. Indian national and state lawmakers voted on Thursday for a new president, with former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee seen as a certainty to take up the mainly ceremonial post. Mukherjee, the candidate of the ruling Congress-led alliance, is a respected conciliator, and as head of state he may play a role in who governs India after the general election due in 2014./end