President Bharrat Jagdeo-- the first Caricom leader congratulating President-elect of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff-said  he is looking forward to working with her for the benefit of the two neighbouring South American countries.

The Guyanese leader gave the assurance in a congratulatory message following Rousseff's election on Sunday as the first female president of Brazil, taking the helm from her exceedingly popular mentor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who oversaw one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America.

With nearly all votes counted, Rousseff of the governing Workers' Party won 56% of the total compared to 44% for her opponent Jose Serra of the Social Democratic Party, according to media reports early Monday, citing official results.

Sunday’s runoff election came after the 62-year-old Rousseff failed to win outright the first round held in early October.

President Jagdeo's congratulatory message reads:

"It gives me great pleasure to extend to you sincere congratulations from the Government and people of Guyana on your election to the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

"In my own name, I would like to convey my best wishes to you as you prepare to take up the mantle of leadership of your country which has become one of the most influential and progressive in our hemisphere.  I am confident that the policies which you have envisioned for Brazil would allow for the continuity of political stability and even greater economic and social progress.

"Guyana and Brazil enjoy excellent relations and I look forward to working with you to find innovative ways that would contribute to the further strengthening of the ties between our peoples.

Please accept the assurances of my  highest consideration."