President Asif Ali Zardari extended felicitations to South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa on their National Day, specifically recalling Pakistan’s steadfast principled stance during the apartheid era and the historical non-recognition of the apartheid system and Israel.
In a statement today on the social media website X, the Pakistani President highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s friendly relations with South Africa, which are based on shared principles, mutual trust, and a common commitment to global peace, socio-economic development, and multilateral cooperation.
He recalled Pakistan’s role in the early opposition to the apartheid regime, emphasizing that as early as 1948, the country refused to recognize the apartheid government of South Africa, and also did not recognize Israel. President Zardari specifically referenced the particular inscription on Pakistani passports, which explicitly stated their unsuitability for travel to South Africa (under apartheid) and Israel, a policy that remained in effect until the end of apartheid in 1994.
Looking optimistically to the future, President Zardari expressed confidence that the existing bilateral relations would further strengthen in the coming years, fostering greater prosperity and improved well-being for the citizens of Pakistan and South Africa.