Dubai: UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has congratulated Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her party's victory in the general elections and expressed hope that bilateral ties will flourish under the new Government too.

In his congratulatory message, Sheikh Zayed wished Sonia Gandhi every success as she prepares to lead India into a new era, the official WAM news agency said.

Sheikh Zayed said he hoped that "bilateral relations between the two countries would prosper evermore in a manner that would serve the best interests of the peoples of India and the UAE".

Vice-President Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces also congratulated Gandhi.