The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh sent a personal message of congratulation to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr Hamid Karzai, on the occasion of his inauguration and swearing-in ceremony, at Kabul yesterday. The message was handed over to President Karzai by the Minister of State in the PM's Office Shri Prithviraj Chavan.

"It is a matter of great pleasure for me to extend on behalf of the Government and the people of India, my warm felicitations on your assumption of the office of President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

It is a privilege for India to have been associated with the process of elections and to be present at Your Excellency's Inauguration. I have requested my colleague, the Minister in my Office, Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, to represent my Government on this historic occasion.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with you to further strengthen the traditional ties between our countries. I take this opportunity to reiterate our firm commitment to continue with and build further upon our economic and financial assistance for the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your personal well-being and health, and for the prosperity and progress of the friendly people of Afghanistan."