Paris - The French government on Wednesday formally congratulated Israel on the sixtieth anniversary of its existence.

"In 60 years Israel has built a democratic state, a performing and dynamic economy, and has been able to make itself known, notably through its literature and cinema, throughout the world," Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner wrote to his Israeli counterpart, Tzipi Livni.

Kouchner added that he wished that the coming months "will be marked by historic progress in negotiations" between Israelis and Palestinians, "to put an end to the trials
(both peoples) have suffered for too many years."

The French foreign minister noted that Paris was "attentive" to Israeli efforts to develop its ties with the European Union.

"Israel can count on our country's support, notably within the framework of the upcoming French (EU) presidency, to give a new dynamism to its relationship with the European Union," Kouchner wrote.

France assumes the rotating six-month EU presidency on July 1. (dpa)