France's Sarkozy congratulates Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - France joined other countries yesterday in congratulating president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on his victory.

In a letter, French President Nicolas Sarkozy congratulated Aquino and wished him success in his presidency.

“On the aftermath of the elections that have just taken place in the Philippines, I wish to extend to you my warmest congratulations for your election to the post of president of the Republic. The Filipino people have expressed their choice, witnessing once again the maturity and vigor of Philippine democracy,” Sarkozy said in his congratulatory message.

The other day, US President Barack Obama congratulated Aquino in a phone call and invited him to visit Washington. Obama also called up vice president-elect Jejomar Binay and congratulated him.

Chinese President Hu Jintao also congratulated Aquino the other day.

Sarkozy said the Philippines and France maintain trustful, long-standing and cordial bilateral relations as he called for further broadening of cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

“The recent establishment of an office of the French agency for development assistance (Agence Française de Développement) in the Philippines with the signature of a loan agreement last February, has set the foundation for strengthened future cooperation between our two countries, notably in the field of environment protection, fighting climate change and supporting local communities,” Sarkozy said.