Pretoria: Former South African President and the icon of anti-apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela, has described Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a "close friend".

At a meeting with visiting Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Mandela enquired about Vajpayee's health and remembered him as a "close friend".

The two leaders met at a reception hosted in Pretoria last night (Apr 27) by South African President Thabo Mbeki to mark the 10th anniversary of the end of apartheid and his re-election as President. Mandela's wife Graca Machel was also present.

Shekhawat also met British Deputy Premier John Prescot, who recalled his previous visit to India and increasing economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Ijaz ul-Haq, son of late President Zia ul-Haq, also called on Shekhawat.

The two leaders hailed the new peace initiative between the two countries and hoped that it would strengthen further in the coming days.

South Korean Home Minister also called on Shekhawat.

Earlier in the day, Shekhawat visited Gandhi Square in Johannesburg, besides visiting the Constitutional Court, formerly known as the Old Fort Prison whose renowned prisoners included Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela.

Shekhawat was "deeply moved" by the visit and expressed happiness that South Africa was preserving its heritage with such care.

Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, Langa, accompanied Shekhawat on his tour.