South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun sent a message to US President George W. Bush Thursday to congratulate him on his reelection in Tuesday's contested race.

"In the congratulatory message, President Roh expressed satisfaction that South Korea and the United States have made progress in bilateral relations in the past two years and hoped the two countries will be able to join forces to achieve peace and prosperity for people all around the world, as well as peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," according to a news release of the South Korean Presidential Office.

Roh sent the message to Bush immediately after the US president made a speech to officially declare his reelection early in the morning.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Office itself also issued a statement to welcome Bush's reelection.

"We wholeheartedly welcome the reelection of incumbent President Bush, who is the candidate for the US Republican Party, in Tuesday's US presidential election," the statement said.

"We hope the second term of the Bush administration will continue to cooperate with its allies to secure peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the world," said the statement.

The statement also pledged that the Roh administration will continue close cooperation with the Bush administration in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula peacefully and securing prosperity in Northeast Asia.

"The reelection of US President Bush will serve as an occasion for the two countries to deepen their comprehensive and dynamic partnership," added the statement.