President Thabo Mbeki Congratulates Vladmir Putin on His Re-election as President of the Russian Federation

President Thabo Mbeki, today - Monday, 15 March 2004 - congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as President of the Russian Federation.

President Mbeki said, "It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, sincere congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Russian Federation."

"On behalf of the South African Government, I wish to assure you of our support in the tasks that lie ahead and of our continued goodwill."

"I look forward to the further development and expansion of our bilateral relations and multilateral co-operation during 2004," concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
? Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
15 March 2004