Pranab congratulates SA President Jacob Zuma over re-election

In a message, the President said, “It gives me great pleasure to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of India as well as on my own behalf, heartiest congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Republic of South Africa."

"Our two countries share a historic bond and abiding friendship. Extensive linkages between the freedom movements in our two countries led to India making common cause with the people of South Africa in their struggle against apartheid. Since the end of apartheid in South Africa, our bilateral relations have been expanding and are now characterized by our strategic partnership, complemented by the close cooperation that we have had in multilateral fora, including the UN, BRICS, IBSA, etc," Mukherjee said.

"We are aware of your own warmth towards the people of India, reinforced by your successful visits to our country. We are confident that our bilateral ties will continue to grow from strength to strength and that the friendship between India and South Africa will endure as a force for peace and stability in the world in the years to come," he said.

Mukherjee said: "Please accept, Excellency, my good wishes for your personal health and well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the people of South Africa.”