Nigeria leader, President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, congratulated Professor Peter Mutharika on his recent election as President of Malawi.

The felicitation message is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Abati said that President Jonathan applauded Mutharika’s statesman-like extension of hands of fellowship to his predecessor and other leaders of the Malawian opposition in the aftermath of his election.

He said the President urged Malawians to set aside their political differences and work in harmony with their new leader for peace, political stability and national development.

Abati said that the President expected the cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and Malawi which blossomed in recent years, to continue to grow under Mutharika’s leadership.

He said Jonathan looked forward to working with the new Malawian President to strengthen and expand areas of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Malawi.

The special adviser added that President Jonathan also congratulated Mr Abdulfattah Al-Sisi on his emergence as Egypt’s President-elect in the country’s recent presidential election.

“As Mr Al-Sisi prepares for his formal inauguration as President of Egypt, President Jonathan urges him to fully dedicate himself to ending years of political turmoil in Egypt.

“President Jonathan urges him to work diligently for national reconciliation, peace, political stability and socio-economic development in the country.’’

Abati said the President assured Al-Sisi of the support and cooperation of the Federal Government and looked forward to working with him to maintain and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The President further called on the people of Egypt “to see the present moment as a new beginning for their country, and come together to work with other African countries to move the continent forward,’’ Abati added.

He said Jonathan wished  Al-Sisi continued good health and a successful tenure as President of Egypt.