Obama congratulates Egypt president elect

Congratulating him on his victory in Egypt`s presidential election, Obama underscored that the US will continue to support Egypt`s transition to democracy and stand by the Egyptian people as they fulfill the promise of their revolution.

"He emphasized his interest in working together with President-elect Morsi, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the US," the White House said in a statement.

According to the White House, the Egyptian President-elect Morsi expressed appreciation for the call and welcomed US support for Egypt`s transition. "The two leaders affirmed their commitment to advancing the US-Egypt partnership and agreed to stay in close touch in the weeks and months ahead," the statement said.

Obama also called General Ahmed Shafiq to commend him on a well-run campaign and encouraged him to continue to play a role in Egyptian politics by supporting the democratic process and working to unify the Egyptian people, White House said.

"The President emphasized his interest in working together with the new Egyptian President and all Egyptian political groups to advance the shared interests between the United States and Egypt," said the statement.

Earlier in the day, White House spokesman Jay Carney had said that the US look forward to working together Morsi and the government he forms, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the US.

"We believe that it is important for President-elect Morsi to take steps at this historic time to advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies in consultations about the formation of a new government," he emphasized.

"We believe in the importance of the new Egyptian government upholding universal values, and respecting the rights of all Egyptian citizens ? including women and religious minorities such as Coptic Christians.

"Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and President-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry," he said in a statement.

Carney said the US intends to work with all parties within Egypt to sustain their long-standing partnership as it consolidates its democracy. "We commend the Presidential Election Commission and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) for their role in supporting a free and fair election, and look forward to the completion of a transition to a democratically-elected government," he said.

"We believe it is essential for the Egyptian government to continue to fulfill Egypt`s role as a pillar of regional peace, security and stability. And we will stand with the Egyptian people as they pursue their aspirations for democracy, dignity, and opportunity, and fulfill the promise of their revolution," Carney said.