Greetings to Nigerien Nation

President Hassan Rouhani expressed his congratulations to the people and government of the Republic of Niger over the West African country's national day. In a message to Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou issued on Monday, Rouhani felicitated the African country's Republic Day and expressed hope that the two countries would boost cooperation in all spheres, Tasnim News Agency reported. He wished health and success for the Nigerien president and glory and welfare for the people of the country. Republic Day, a national holiday in Niger, was instituted on December 18, 1958. Although not the date of formal, complete independence from France, December 18 marks the founding of the republic and the creation of presidency in Niger, following the constitutional changes of the French Fifth Republic and the elections of December 4, 1958, held across the French colonial possessions.