Accra, 11 May, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Friday congratulated Mr. Nicole Sarkozy on his election as the President of France.

"The NPP believes that the presidency of Mr Sarkozy would further strengthen the relationship that existed for several years between Ghana and France for the mutual benefit of both countries: a statement from the party signed by Mr Eddie Agyeman, the National Chairman said on Friday.

The statement said the Party was aware that Mr. Sarkozy was assuming France's highest political office at a time when international peace had become relatively illusive while poverty was now the global number one enemy.

It noted that it is the party's hope that the new French President would make the search for a solution to those problems, the cornerstone of his foreign policy.

Mr. Sarkozy, a 52-year-old former Minister of the Interior and a conservative defeated Miss Sagolene Royal, a Socialist who made history as the first woman to fight for the French Presidency.