BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
9 May 2008
Pretoria — President Thabo Mbeki on Thursday congratulated the newly appointed President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, saying that this would further enhance relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.
In a message of support to President Medvedev, President Mbeki said: "On behalf of our government and in my own name, I am pleased and privileged to congratulate you on your accession to the high position of President of the Russian Federation.
"We wish you success as you work to advance the interest of the sister people of Russia."
Mr Mbeki said he highly valued the friendly relations between the two countries' people and the strategic partnership between governments.
"We are confident that during your Presidency these relations will continue to expand, deepen and grow in quality."
The President further congratulated President Medvedev on securing the support of the Russian State Duma for his nomination of the honourable Vladimir Putin as the new Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
On Friday, the Russian people joined in solemn ceremony to mark the 63rd anniversary of the victory of the Russian people during the great Patriotic War.
"We are honoured to convey our best wishes to Your Excellency and the sister Russian people as you celebrate a victory that saved all humanity from the scourge of Nazi tyranny.
"Please accept our best wishes for success in all your efforts, good health, and the assurance of our highest consideration."
South Africa and Russia enjoy a high-level and regular interaction between the two countries.
This is promoted through the well established SA-Russia Inter-sessional Intergovernmental Trade and Economic Committee (ITEC).
In September 2006, a Treaty of Friendship and Partnership to strengthen relations between the two countries was signed during the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to South Africa.
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