New Delhi, Oct 16: Describing his country's relationship with India as "very important", South African President Thabo Mbeki today said "strategic partnership" needs to be further expanded. "I want to strengthen bilateral relations as our relationship with India is very important. We need to look at what more should be done in the strategic partnership," he told reporters after being accorded ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, "There is already cooperation with South Africa on many vital matters and during the visit we will discuss on how to further strengthen bilateral relations." Mbeki, who is heading a high-powered delegation and is accompanied by his wife Zanele, said, "We are very happy indeed to be in India. Your Prime Minister just reminded me that it is coming after many years."

Mbeki was received by President A P J Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, besides senior officials and diplomats.

Mbeki inspected an inter-services guard of honour and was given a 21-gun salute. Bureau Report