Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Botswana President Lieutenant General Ian Khama on his re-election to serve another term.
"I hereby wish to convey my warmest congratulations on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa and its people on the occasion of your re-election as President of the Republic of Botswana and the victory of the Botswana Democratic Party during the elections of 16 October 2009," said the President in a statement.
The President reconfirmed his appreciation of the excellent, warm and close relations that exist between the two countries and its people.
"It is furthermore my profound wish that these close and brotherly ties will continue to prosper during your new term of office," said Zuma.
Khama was sworn in as President on Tuesday after the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) claimed victory in the country's general elections on Saturday.
The party, which has been in power since independence from Britain in 1966, was able to secure the required 29 of 57 constituencies needed to win the election.
Botswana, a southern African country of some two million people, has around 725 000 registered voters, while seven political parties and 15 independent candidates are competing for the nation's 57 constituencies.
It is one of Africa's most stable countries and among the world's biggest diamond producers.
