German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder expressed his warm congratulations to British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday over his ruling Labor Party's victory in Thursday's parliamentary elections.

Schroeder said the victory of Blair, who turned 52 on Friday, is "the best birthday present possible."

Schroeder noted that as host of the Group of Eight summit in July and the presidency of the European Union in the next half of 2005, Britain will "shoulder special responsibilities in solving global challenges."

Schroeder wished Blair success in carrying out the two tasks.

Source: Xinhua