Berlin - German political leaders congratulated Barack Obama on his election success Wednesday with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying Berlin looked forward to working together in complete trust with the new Democrat-led White House.

"The world faces considerable challenges at the start of your term in office," Merkel said, with German President Horst Koehler and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also congratulating Obama on his victory.

In a letter to Obama, Koehler said he "could count on Germany as a reliable partner and long-standing friend" as he faced up to the challenges of office.

Steinmeier said Obama had secured an extraordinary victory and had during his election campaign helped to reawaken an enthusiasm for politics.

"I am convinced that there will be close and trustful cooperation between the United States and Europe so as successfully use the hazards and risks as well as the manifold opportunities to open up our global world," Merkel said in a letter to Obama. (dpa)