In a hand-written letter released by the public-relations office of the Presidency, Mexican President Vicente Fox told Bush he appreciated his remarks "on the importance you and your administration give to the relations with Mexico," in particular with reference to issues like immigration, security, the combat against terrorism and the economic ties.

Fox said that the re-election of Bush "represents the opportunity to continue, with renewed enthusiasm, the open dialogue we started four years ago, which has allowed us to establish a new understanding in the benefit of our great nations."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in a messageto Bush that the vitality of democracy in their two countries "is one of the aspects of coincidence and approach between Brazil and the United States."

"The lively and fluid dialogue between the two countries has produced benefits, not only in bilateral terms, but also in the positive treatment of international matters of importance to our nations," said Lula.

The Costa Rican government, through its Foreign Ministry, said the Central American country warmly congratulates Bush on his re-election to remain in office for four more years.

It is convinced that the United States and Costa Rica will continue deepening their traditional links of friendship, solidarity and mutual cooperation, said the government.

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo congratulated Bush on his re-election and the people of the United States for their participation in the elections which were marked by transparency.

Toledo hoped the bilateral relations will develop "based on thestrengthening of democracy, the unrestricted respect for human rights, the combat against poverty, the combat against terrorism, drug trafficking and corruption, as well as the promotion of free trade."

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Jose Rangel also said Wednesday his country expects to have a more cordial relationship with the United States.

He affirmed the Venezuelan government will not see "the United States as a foe, as a rival, but as a very important country in the region with which Venezuela has extraordinary relations from the perspective of petroleum and in the combat against drug trafficking."

In Lisbon, Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana on Wednesdaycommunicated his will to reinforce the "excellent relationship" between Portugal and the United States in a message to congratulate Bush on his re-election.

Santana indicated that the continuity of Bush in the White House "will reinforce the excellent relations between the two countries."

He assured Bush that "the Portuguese government will continue to work closely with the US government in all aspects of common interest."

In the message, Santana also said Portugal and the United States are "friends and allies."