Benin's President Boni Yayi on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Francois Hollande for winning the presidential election in France, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Hollande defeated outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy in Sunday's election with 51.9 percent of the votes cast.

"It is my pleasure therefore, on my own behalf and the people of Benin, to congratulate you for being elected to the highest office in your country," Yayi said in his message.

He said Benin and France share values of a free world and are both committed to the development of a democratic culture.

"We have noted the aspirations of the French people and we hope that under the new presidency, France will continue to play her leadership role for better regulation of global governance," said the message.

The Beninese leader expressed willingness to strengthen bilateral relations. On April 24, 1961, the two countries signed a Cooperation Treaty that outlines the nature of relations between Benin and France.

The relations between France and Benin worsened during the revolutionary period, but improved in the 1990s after the holding of the National Conference by Benin's civil society groups.