Sofia  - Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on Wednesday expressed confidence the United States would remain the "leader in building and strengthening of a peaceful and prosperous world" under Barack Obama's presidency.

"I and the Bulgarian nation congratulate your election as president of the US and wish you success in the highly responsible mission of heading a great country ... a major player in the world's arena," Parvanov said in a statement.

Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004 and of the European Union since 2007, is a staunch supporter of the Washington and has backed the US-led military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. (dpa)