PRESIDENT Thabo Mbeki has congratulated Vladimir Putin on his election as Russian president, saying he believed Russia would continue to play a major role in international affairs. Mbeki said South Africa and Russia had both gone through momentous change during the past decade but that many great challenges still lay ahead for both countries and their respective regions, according to a statement issued by the president’s office. “President Mbeki expressed every confidence that President Putin will successfully address the challenges that face Russia and its region. South Africa firmly believes that Russia will also continue to play a major role in international affairs,” it said. Mbeki added that he looked forward to close co-operation with Putin and the continuation of “excellent relations” between South Africa and Russia.