Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has extended felicitations to the President of South Africa, Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and the people of South Africa on the occasion of their National Day.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari, in a message on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, emphasized the importance Pakistan places on its relations with South Africa. These relations, he noted, are rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.
The President also highlighted Pakistan’s historical stance during the apartheid years, recalling that in 1948, Pakistan refused to recognize the apartheid regime. He reminded that the older generation still remembers the stamp on Pakistani passports declaring them not valid for apartheid South Africa and Israel, a practice that continued until the end of apartheid in 1994.
President Zardari expressed confidence in the continued growth of ties between the two countries, foreseeing greater prosperity and well-being for the people of both nations in the years ahead.