India extends warm greetings to Liechtenstein and South Korea on their National Day

On Tuesday, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, conveyed his warm wishes to South Korea on the occasion of its National Liberation Day and also extended greetings to Liechtenstein on its National Day. Using microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar sent his best regards to his counterparts in Korea and Liechtenstein, as well as to the citizens of both countries, expressing anticipation of enhancing collaborative partnerships.

"Felicitations to FM Dominique Hasler and Government and people of Liechtenstein on their National Day. Look forward to further broaden & deepen our friendly ties," tweeted Jaishankar. 

Felicitations to FM @DominiqueHasler and Government and people of Liechtenstein on their National Day.

Look forward to further broaden & deepen our friendly ties.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 15, 2023

Wishing South Korea on their National Liberation Day, Jaishankar wrote, "Warm greetings to FM Park Jin and the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea on their National Day. Confident that our Special Strategic Partnership would keep advancing."

Warm greetings to @FMParkJin and the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea on their National Day.

Confident that our Special Strategic Partnership would keep advancing.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 15, 2023

Apart from India, several other nations also commemorate their Independence Day on August 15. These include North Korea, South Korea, Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein, as they all celebrate this day to honour the establishment of their respective independent nations.

North Korea & South Korea

The solitary public holiday that both North and South Korea share is the National Liberation Day of Korea, commonly referred to as Independence Day. This occasion traces its origins back to August 15, 1945, when the combined efforts of American and Soviet forces brought an end to Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula during World War II. Subsequently, Korea underwent a division into North and South Korea after a span of three years.

In South Korea, this day is denoted as 'Gwangbokjeol,' signifying "the day the light returned," while in North Korea, it is acknowledged as 'Chogukhaebangŭi nal,' translating to "Liberation of the Fatherland Day."

Bahrain

August 15, 1971, marked the end of British colonial rule over Bahrain, more than two decades after India gained its independence. Bahrain's transition to independence followed a UN census of its population.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Independence Day was celebrated by Congo on August 15, 1960. This day is observed as Congo National Day by its citizens. The occasion commemorates the end of 80 years of French colonial rule and the country's attainment of independence.

Liechtenstein

August 15 holds significance for Liechtenstein as its National Day. This small European nation, situated between Austria and Switzerland in the European Alps, gained liberation from German rule in 1866. The choice of August 15 for this celebration has dual significance: it coincides with Assumption of Mary Day, an existing bank holiday, and is also close to the birthdate of the reigning ruler, Prince Franz Josef II, who was born on August 16.