JERUSALEM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres has offered his congratulations for the re-election of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Israeli Government Press Office said on Monday.

    In a letter the Israeli president wrote to his Pakistani counterpart on Sunday, Peres said that "although we do not have formal relations, I would like to convey my best wishes on your election as President of Pakistan for a second term."

    The letter was released by the Israeli Government Press Office on Monday.

    Peres praised the Pakistani president for the responsibility and strength the latter has shown in preventing the spread of violence and terrorism, and said that "I carry in my heart your support for peace in the Middle East which I heard directly from you."

    According to Pakistani media reports, Musharraf was unofficially declared winner of the presidential elections on Saturday.

    The results of the poll from the National Assembly, Senate and four provincial assemblies showed that Musharraf achieved a crushing victory in the presidential elections.