Johannesburg- South African President Thabo Mbeki is willing to meet Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai at his earliest convenience, Mbeki's office said on Thursday.

Mbeki spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga said: "As soon as we have a formal request we will meet with him at his earliest convenience, as the president would any other Zimbabwean leader."

Earlier Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad said the government only became aware of Tsvangirai's request to meet Mbeki on Thursday.

"It would be important to hear what Mr Tsvangirai has to say," Pahad said, according to a report by the South African press agency Sapa.

Tsvangirai met ANC President Jacob Zuma in South Africa on Monday. He also met Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi.

Tsvangirai embarked on a trip around the region as the results of the March 29 presidential election are still being awaited.