WELLINGTON: Several world leaders on Wednesday extended their warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, lauding his leadership while calling him as a "statesman and leading voice of the Global South"
In his video message for PM Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated, "Kia ora, namaskar, my good friend Prime Minister Modi. Congratulations on your 75th birthday from me and all of your friends across New Zealand. A milestone like this is a moment to reflect on the wisdom of your leadership as you seek to guide India towards becoming a developed country by 2047."
Luxon also expressed his eagerness to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. He said, "I'm really excited about New Zealand partnering more with India to achieve that vision as we look to ensure both our great nations achieve the security and also the prosperity that we seek."
Luxon expressed hope of welcoming PM Modi to New Zealand and recalled his visit to India. He stated, "I hope I might be able to reciprocate the very warm hospitality you extended to me in March by hosting you here in New Zealand. But in the meantime, I wish you a very, very happy birthday."
Guyana President Irfaan Ali wished for health, strength and blessings for PM Modi as he extended his heartfelt wishes to him on his 75th birthday.
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on the joyous occasion of your 75th birth anniversary, I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations. May this milestone be accompanied by continued health, abundant strength, and divine blessings as you carry forward your extraordinary mission of service to your people, the Global South, and to humanity at large, " Irfaan Ali said in the video.
He lauded PM Modi for being a resolute voice for the Global South. "Your leadership has been nothing short of transformative. In a world often defined by imbalance, you have emerged as a resolute voice for the Global South. You have championed the causes of those whose concerns too often go unheard. You have given visibility, dignity, and traction to issues of immense importance for developing nations. You have reminded the world that the destiny of the South is inseparable from the future of entire planet, " Ali added.
Stressing that the ties between India and Guyana have reached to "unprecedented heights" under PM Modi's guidance, he said, "Under your guidance, the relationship between India and Guyana has reached unprecedented heights. Our bonds are today stronger than ever, infused with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect. We in Guyana look eagerly to the deepening of the partnership, confident that it will yield enduring benefits for both of our peoples."
Extending heartfelt wishes to PM Modi, he said, "On this special occasion, I wish you long life, renewed vigour, and many more years of inspired leadership. Leaders of your vision and stature appear, but rarely in the course of history. You're indeed a blessing to humanity. May your journey continue to uplift your people and the rest of the world. And may we celebrate many more birthdays with you in the years ahead. Happy 75th birthday, Prime Minister. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem."
Hailing PM Modi as a "global leader, statesman and leading voice of the Global South", Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit also extended birthday greetings to the Indian leader on his 75th birthday. He lauded PM Modi's contribution to strengthening ties between India and Dominica.