Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has officially congratulated Robert Mugabe on winning presidential elections by a landslide and his re-election as the president of Zimbabwe

In a congratulatory message on Monday, Rouhani described Mugabe’s re-election as a sign of trust and support of the Zimbabwean nation for him and his administration.

The Iranian president also voiced satisfaction with growing relations between the two countries, and expressed hope that Tehran- Harare ties will further flourish in diverse areas in the future.

Rouhani wished Mugabe good health and success during his new term in office, and the Zimbabwean nation prosperity.

On August 22, Mugabe was sworn in for a new five-year term in a massive stadium inauguration that was boycotted by his election rival.

Mugabe, 89, pledged "to observe, uphold and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe" in an oath administered by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, extending his 33-year rule.

The event took place at the country's largest 60,000-seater sports stadium in Harare. Thousands of Mugabe's supporters trooped in from across the country, and around 40 world leaders were also in attendance.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who insists that the July 31 vote that returned the 89-year-old to power for the seventh term was rigged, shunned Mugabe’s swearing-in ceremony.

 

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