Paris - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday sent a letter to US President-elect Barack Obama congratulating him on what he called a "brilliant victory."

After extending the "warmest congratulations" on his behalf and that of the French people, Sarkozy wrote that Obama's election triumph "crowns an exceptional campaign ... (that) has shown the vitality of American democracy to the entire world."

Sarkozy added, "In choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism."

Obama's victory, the French president said, "raises a great hope in France, in Europe and in the world - that of an open, united and strong America that will show a new way, with its partners, by the strength of its example and the adherence to its principles."

France and Europe "will draw new energy to work with America to preserve the world's peace and prosperity," Sarkozy wrote. (dpa)