President Obama congratulates Karzai over reelection

U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Hamid Karzai over his re-election for the next five year as the president of the war-torn Afghanistan, a statement released by President karzai's office Tuesday said.

"President Obama phoned President Karzai and congratulated him over his reelection," the statement added.

In the telephone conversation, both leaders emphasized for opening new chapter and enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, the statement further said.

Afghan election body on Monday announced Karzai as winner of the runoff vote set for Nov. 7 just a day after karzai's challenger Abdullah Abdullah quit the race.

Earlier UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Karzai over his re-election.

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have also extended congratulatory messages to Karzai over his reelection.

Source: Xinhua