Obama congratulates Merkel on election success

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U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel on her election success, while pledging to continue their close cooperation on key issues.

Obama made a phone call to Merkel after her Christian Democratic Union and its sister party, the Christian Social Union of Bavaria, garnered 41.5 percent of the vote, emerging as the winner in Sunday's German federal election.

"The President noted his deep appreciation for Chancellor Merkel's friendship, leadership, and steadfast support of the transatlantic relationship," the White House said in a statement.

Obama and Merkel "agreed to continue their close cooperation on key issues of regional and global concern," it added.