[26/October/2009]

RIYADH, Oct. 26 (Saba)- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on his re-election as Tunisia's President, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.

The King expressed his heartfelt congratulations to President Ben Ali and expressed optimism that he would successfully shoulder his responsibilities.

The King also highlighted the existing close relations between the Kingdom and Tunisia and reiterated keenness on further enhancing them in all domains.

A similar cable of greetings was sent to President Ben Ali by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General.

The Tunisian president has won the elections with a landslide victory, paving the way for a fifth term in office.

Ben Ali will soon begin his fifth five-year term in office after winning Sunday’s election with approximately 90% of the vote, according to the preliminary vote count.

The vote turnout was almost 90%, with 4.7 million people heading to the ballots throughout Tunisia and abroad.

Saba