The Indian president said:

The friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have a long historical tradition.

It is the stand of India to boost the friendly relations with the DPRK.

I am pleased that the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries was celebrated last year.

India asserts that the tension on the Korean peninsula and the issue of Korea's reunification should be settled through reconciliation, cooperation, dialogue and negotiation.

I wish the government and people of the DPRK fresh success in their efforts to build an economic power.