President Zardari greets South Africa on National Day

BEIJING: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conveyed greetings to South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa on the occasion of their National Day, which is observed every year on April 27.

In a message issued on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, President Zardari said Pakistan placed high importance on its friendly relations with South Africa. He said the relationship was based on shared values, mutual confidence, and a joint commitment to peace, development and multilateral cooperation.

The president, who is currently on a five-day visit to China, also referred to Pakistan’s position during the apartheid era in South Africa. He recalled that Pakistan had taken a principled stand during those years and, as early as 1948, had refused to recognise the apartheid regime along with Zionist Israel.

President Zardari said the older generation still remembered the stamp on Pakistani passports stating not valid for (apartheid) South Africa and Israel. He noted that this remained in place until 1994, when apartheid came to an end in South Africa.

He expressed confidence that bilateral ties between Pakistan and South Africa would continue to strengthen in the coming years and would contribute to greater prosperity and well-being for the people of both countries.

Message highlights Pakistan-South Africa ties

The message underscored Pakistan’s emphasis on maintaining cordial ties with South Africa and linked the relationship to common principles and cooperation at the multilateral level. It also highlighted Pakistan’s historical stance against apartheid, which the president described as part of the foundation of the relationship between the two countries.

President Zardari’s message was sent as South Africa marked its National Day on April 27. In his remarks, he extended felicitations directly to President Ramaphosa as well as to the South African people.

The president said he believed the existing relationship would continue to expand further, bringing benefits to both nations. His message framed the future of the bilateral relationship in terms of continued growth, prosperity and public welfare.