The Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg and the President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re- election at the Presidential election.

Norway is prepared to work closely with Sri Lanka in addressing issues of mutual concern, at both bilateral and multilateral levels, stated Prime Minister Stoltenberg.

"I am confident that the bonds of friendship between our two countries will continue to develop during your next term in office … [and] look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Government and people of Sri Lanka with a view to promoting lasting peace and development ", he further stated.

If Sri Lanka is to achieve sustainable peace, a political solution must be found that safeguards the rights of all the country's minority groups, including the Tamils, the Norwegian Prime Minister stated. "I hope you will give priority to finding a political solution that is acceptable to all groups during your next term", he added.

Meanwhile, the President of South Africa Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma stated in his message that South Africa recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and looks forward to working with President Rajapaksa in the years ahead.

"I encourage you and your administration to continue to work toward an inclusive peace- building process, leading to reconciliation between all groups, following the end of the internal conflict your country has endured for the last 30 years," President Zuma continued.

"I am sure that these existing good relations built over the years will continue to grow and prosper under your able leadership", he further stated.