BUENOS AIRES, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Argentine President Nestor Kirchner on Monday congratulated France's President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy on his victory in the presidential run-off Sunday.

    In a congratulatory message, Kirchner wished Sarkozy's success in his government and expressed his willingness to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, an Argentine government spokesman said.

    "I am happy to write you and send you, on behalf of the Argentine government and people, our most sincere congratulations for your victory in yesterday's elections," the letter said.

    Sarkozy of the right-wing Union for a Popular Movement won the French presidential run-off on Sunday, scoring a victory over Segolene Royal of the left-wing Socialist Party.

    Sarkozy won over 53 percent of the vote against some 47 percent for Royal, who saw her chance to become France's first woman president dashed.