UN chief congratulates Obama on re-election

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Wednesday congratulated United States President Barack Obama on his re-election, saying he looks forward to working with him on global challenges including Syria and climate change.

Warmly congratulating Obama, Ban said he "looks forward to continuing to work with President Obama and his administration in the spirit of the enduring partnership between the US and the UN".

"Many challenges lie ahead -- from ending the bloodshed in Syria, to getting the Middle East peace process back on track, to promoting sustainable development and tackling the challenges posed by climate change. All of them will require strong multilateral cooperation," the UN chief said in a statement.

Ban said the United Nations will continue to count on the active engagement of the United States on critical global issues as the world body strives to meet the hopes and expectations of people around the globe.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also congratulated Obama, saying that he looks forward to continuing close cooperation with him to ensure NATO remains effective in a fast-changing world.

"President Obama has demonstrated outstanding leadership in maintaining this vital bond, and I look forward to continuing our close cooperation to ensure NATO remains effective in a fast-changing world, against new threats, with new capabilities, and an ever stronger network of partners across the globe," said the NATO secretary general.