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Kalla attends India's Republic Day celebrations
Many people do not know that India has two national days - Independence Day and Republic Day - in a year
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Many people do not know that India has two national days - Independence Day and Republic Day - in a year. India gained independence on Aug. 15, 1947, but the big celebration has always been on Republic Day, the day in which India became a republic.
Every year, India celebrates the Republic Day on Jan. 26.
Despite their busy schedules with the upcoming elections, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Speaker of the House of Representatives Agung Laksono joined Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Biren Nanda and hundreds of guests Tuesday evening to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Republic Day. *
Kalla told the gathering, attended by members of the Indian community, Indonesian scholars, senior officials, public figures and foreign diplomats, Indonesia was committed to furthering alliances with India.
"We hope this celebration of Republic Day will bring the two countries hand in hand, especially at a time of so many economic problems," he said.
In his speech, Ambassador Nanda highlighted the growing eco-nomic ties.
"Our trade has grown more than 20 percent a year. Our bilateral trade already reached US$7.76 billion in the first nine months of 2008," Nanda said.
The speeches were followed by performances of the national anthems of the two nations, after which Nanda and Kalla cut a cake as a symbolic gesture to demonstrate their deep cultural, political and economic ties.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume said he was pleased with the reception. "India and Indonesia have good relations and I think that that's to be welcomed," Hume said.
