Blair expresses Sarkozy support online

British Prime Minister Tony Blair took to the internet to congratulate Nicolas Sarkozy on winning France’s presidential election.

He posted a message on video-sharing site YouTube, praising Sarkozy as “a strong leader".

Blair said he was confident Sarkozy “will want to forge a good and close partnership between Britain and France for the good of our two countries, for Europe and the wider world.”

Sarkozy, a conservative who has cited Blair’s transformation of the Labour Party as a political inspiration, beat socialist challenger Segolene Royal in France’s presidential election.

Blair said he had spoken to Sarkozy after the result was announced to offer his congratulations.

He said 52-year-old Sarkozy was one of “a whole new generation of leaders in Europe” and said the relationship between Britain and France was “absolutely crucial one".

“Of course we don’t always agree as you know, but when we do we can be a real force for good in Europe and across the world,” he said.

“And I think that with Nicolas Sarkozy as president there’s a fantastic opportunity for Britain and France to work together in the years ahead.”