President Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on receiving "The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers", one of the highest civilian honours of Japan.
"I am extremely happy to know that the Government of Japan has conferred one of its highest civilian Honours -"The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers" upon you, making you the first Indian ever to receive this award," said President Mukherjee in his message to Dr. Singh.
"This important recognition is testimony to the immense service rendered by you over the years for the promotion of India-Japan relations and friendship," he added.
President Mukherjee further said, "Please accept my hearty congratulations and best wishes. I am sure the entire nation will rejoice at this much deserved honour conferred on you.
