BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel Monday congratulated Nicolas Sarkozy on his victory in Sunday's French presidential election.

    Merkel said that under the new leadership the traditional Franco-German friendship would "remain a cornerstone of efforts to ensure the continuation of peace, democracy and prosperity in Europe."

    It was important to continue "the close, trusting and intensive cooperation between Germany and France" during "a decisive phase for Europe," she said.

    Merkel said she was looking forward to meeting Sarkozy.

    German President Horst Koehler also congratulated Sarkozy, saying that the two neighbors needed to work together to meet the challenges facing them.

    Sarkozy, a conservative, won the French presidential race with53.99 percent of the vote Sunday, defeating socialist candidate Segolene Royal, who got 46.01 percent of the vote.

    Sarkozy will take over the presidency from Jacques Chirac on May 16.