Monday, May 30 2005 18:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia today (May 30, 2005) congratulated United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on her re-election as congress president and hoped that her continued leadership would contribute greatly to further strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries.

In a message of greeting, Begum Zia said that Gandhi's unanimous re-election was a reflection of the confidence the Congress members and the people of India repose on her.

"This relates especially to your vision, sagacity and leadership qualities as well as your dedication and services for the well-being of the common person," the Bangladesh Prime Minister said, according to a media release issued by Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Noting that Bangladesh and India enjoy good neighbourly relations and close cooperation in a wide variety of areas Zia said, "I believe that your continued leadership of the Congress Party would contribute greatly to further strengthening of our friendly relations."

She said that she looked forward to working closely with Sonia Gandhi to promote further the friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries and their ruling parties.

"I am confident that our closer cooperation will continue in the days ahead," Zia said, while wishing the Congress chief continued success.