President Thabo Mbeki congratulates Dmitry Medvedev on his election as President of Russia

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki has today, Monday 3 March extended warm congratulations to Dmitry Medvedev on his election as President of the Russian Federation.

“Please accept your Excellency on behalf of the government and people of South Africa and on my own behalf our warm congratulations to you on your election as President of the Russian Federation” said President Mbeki.

“The people of South Africa have had a long standing and fraternal relations with the people of the Russian Federation established during the struggle against apartheid. In this regard, the people of South Africa have always counted on the support of the people of the Russian Federation in bringing nearer the dawn of peace, democracy and justice in South Africa” continued President Mbeki.

“Accordingly as Your Excellency embarks upon the daunting task of consolidating democracy and good governance in the Russian Federation, you can indeed count on the support of the government and people of my country, South Africa.

“We most certainly look forward to the strengthening of our bilateral political, economic and trade relations and indeed the deepening of our strategic co-operation at a multilateral level.

“We extend our best wishes and good health to Your Excellency during your tenure as President of the Russian Federation” concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-99-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

3 March 2008