President of India Congratulates Jacob Zuma on His Assumption of Office as President of South Africa

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has congratulated, Mr. Jacob Zuma on his assumption of office as the President of South Africa.

In her message, the President of India has said, "As you assume the high office of the President of the Republic of South Africa, I extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, heartiest felicitations and good wishes.

Our two countries share a historic bond and abiding friendship going back to the struggle against apartheid. The strategic partnership which characterizes our present day relationship has now expanded to a whole host of areas and is complemented by our cooperation under the IBSA Dialogue Forum.

We are also aware of your own close ties with the leadership and the people of India which have been reinforced by your two visits to India in the recent past. We are confident that under your leadership, our bilateral ties will grow from strength to strength and the friendship between India and South Africa will continue to be a force for peace and stability in the world."

This release issued at 1500 hrs.