Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his congratulations to South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the citizens of South Africa on their National Day. In his message, President Zardari emphasized the importance Pakistan places on its relationship with South Africa, highlighting shared values, mutual trust, and a mutual commitment to peace and development.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari reminisced about Pakistan’s history of standing against apartheid, noting Pakistan’s refusal to recognize the apartheid regime from as early as 1948. He mentioned the historic stance of Pakistani passports being marked as not valid for apartheid South Africa and Israel, a policy that persisted until the end of apartheid in 1994.

President Zardari expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-South Africa relations, stating his belief that the ties between the nations would continue to strengthen, leading to increased prosperity and well-being for both countries’ populations.