US ready to work with Argentina's new President-elect

The US has congratulated Argentinians for holding successful presidential elections and said it was willing to work with the new President-elect, Alberto Fernandez.

Fernandez won the first round of the election held on Sunday with 48.1 per cent of the vote, unseating incumbent President Mauricio Macri, who only obtained 40.37 per cent, Efe news reported.

"We stand ready to work with Alberto Fernandez as the new President of Argentina to address the interests our countries share," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Monday.

Pompeo noted that the US and Argentina "enjoy a long-standing and mutually respectful partnership, which has benefited both nations and is a testimony to our many shared democratic values and priorities".

"We look forward to working with the Fernandez administration to promote regional security, prosperity, and the rule of law," he added.

Fernandez will appoint his running mate, former President Cristina Fernandez (in office between 2007-15), as Vice President.

After the results were declared, Fernandez promised to "collaborate" in the transition process so that "Argentinians stop suffering once and for all".

Macri and Fernandez met on Monday to begin a complex transition process that is set to be completed by December 10.

"My team and I are available to work together to achieve a democratic transition that benefits all Argentinians," Macri tweeted after the meeting.