London- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Wednesday praised the "energizing politics and progressive values" of US President-elect Barack Obama and said he was looking forward to working with him. In a statement issued by Downing Street in London Wednesday morning, Brown said: "I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the presidency of the United States."
Brown also paid tribute to Republican candidate John McCain, who he said had "fought a good campaign and has shown the characteristic dignity that has marked a lifetime of service to his country."
"The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to our prosperity and security," said Brown's statement.
"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future," he said.
Recalling that he had met Obama during a meeting in London in the summer, Brown said: "We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy."
"And I look forward to working extremely closely with him in the coming months and years."
A general election is due in Britain by May, 2010, at the latest.
