Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Pedro Castillo on winning the presidential elections in Peru.

In his cable, King Salman extended his congratulations and expressed wishes of success for Castillo and progress and prosperity for the people of Peru, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman also sent a similar cable to Peru’s president-elect.

Rural teacher-turned-political novice Pedro Castillo last week became the winner of Peru's presidential election after the country's longest electoral count in 40 years.

Castillo, whose supporters included Peru's poor and rural citizens, defeated right-wing politician Keiko Fujimori by just 44,000 votes.

Electoral authorities released the final official results more than a month after the runoff election took place in the South American nation.

Castillo will take office on July 28 — the same day that Peru will celebrate 200 years of independence.