Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari reportedly telephoned Congress President United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi to congratulate her on her election as the party president for the fourth consecutive time.

According to a statement issued from Bilawal House, Gandhi thanked Zardari for the message of felicitation.

She also offered condolences and sympathies over the flood devastation in Pakistan, and expressed hope that the people and the government would triumph over the tragic destruction, The Nation reports.

Gandhi has created a record for the longest tenure as Congress chief by leading the party since April 1998 when she replaced late Sitaram Kesri.

Her name was announced at a ceremony at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Friday.

The process of re-electing Gandhi was set in motion with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi proposing her name for the top post along with a host of other party leaders.

Addressing the party workers after her re-election, Sonia said: "It's a great responsibility and I thank all Congress workers. Whether we are in power or not we should always work for the oppressed." (ANI)