French President François Hollande called Obama Thursday to congratulate him on his election triumph and the two leaders agreed on the need to forge closer ties, a statement issued by Hollande's office said.
Prior to the election, France's ruling Socialists had voiced explicit support for Obama in his battle with Mitt Romney.
"The President of the Republic underlined the importance of President Obama's victory for relations between the United States and France, but also for Europe," the statement said.
It added: "The Presidents agreed to strengthen their common action, notably in support of economic growth, the struggle against unemployment and in response to the main international crises.
"They instructed their teams to intensify contacts and to study ways of giving a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest."
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