Amsterdam - Dutch Queen Beatrix and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende congratulated Barack Obama on his inauguration as 44th US president, the Dutch Royal Communication Office RVD said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Queen Beatrix sent the US president a telegram Tuesday night, wishing him "success."

Balkenende sent Obama a letter on behalf of the government following Tuesday's inauguration ceremony.

The Dutch prime minister referred to the long-time friendship between the US and the Netherlands. The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Dutch nationals in today's New York City.

Foreign Affairs minister Maxime Verhagen on Wednesday said he was "moved by President Obama's message of hope and change" and that the Netherlands looked forward to cooperating with the new US government "under this inspiring leader."

Verhagen added he was also pleased to hear Obama is seeking more cooperation with the international community. The new US presidency offers a new opportunity to face today's challenges, Verhagen said. (dpa)