Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende has congratulated Barack Obama on his election as president of the US and wished him ‘every success with this difficult task’.

‘It was great to see that this election touched so many people in the US but also elsewhere,’ Balkenende said in a statement, news agency ANP reported.
Obama faces a challenging term in office, the PM said, referring to the financial crisis and the deteriorating US economy. ‘But I am also thinking about combating terrorism, about climate change, human rights and free world trade,’ ANP quoted Balkenende as saying.
He said the necessity of close cooperation between Europe and the US is greater than ever. ‘Only with an intensive transatlantic alliance can we stand up to worldwide challenges,’ Balkenende said.
And he added that he is confident that the good relationship between the Netherlands, Europe and the US would continue.
An internet poll carried out by Maurice de Hond among 130,000 Dutch nationals gave 88% support to Obama.
An online poll of DutchNews.nl readers indicated that some 70% backed Obama.