South Africa's [Images] first black President Nelson Mandela on Wednesday described US President-elect Barack Obama's [Images] historic victory as a symbol of hope for all those who dream to change the world into a better place.

'Obama will bring back the Clinton years'

In a letter written to Obama, the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon wished America's first black President-elect 'strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead' at the helm of affairs of the superpower.

Mandela, who led South Africa's first democratic government from 1994 to 1999, also hoped the Afro-American's Presidential term would make the US play a larger role in eliminating poverty and disease from the world.

Obama's rise is stuff of the Great American Dream

'We are sure you will ultimately achieve your dream (of) making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations committed to peace and prosperity for all,' the leader, who spent 27 years under imprisonment under white minority rule in South Africa wrote to Obama.

'We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world,' he said in the letter released by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Black Prez -- The reel role becomes real

Obama had wished Mandela at his 90th birthday this year, applauding the African leader's fundamental belief that 'we do not have to accept the world as it is; that we can remake the world as it should be'.