Pranab hopes strong trade ties with South Africa

He congratulated South African counterpart Jacob G Zuma on his re-election

President Pranab Mukherjee today sent across good wishes to his South African counterpart Jacob G Zuma on his re-election as he expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two countries will grow from "strength to strength."

"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," Mukherjee was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President said the two countries share a historic bond and "abiding friendship" and expressed hope that they will work together for peace and stability across the globe.

"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 characterised 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.

"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," the President wrote in his message.