WASHINGTON – The White House on Sunday congratulated Egypt’s president-elect, Mohammed Morsi, and urged him to reach out to all parties and segments of society as he forms a new government.

Striking a cautious but hopeful tone, a statement by White House press secretary Jay Carney called the election result a milestone in Egypt’s transition to democracy and said Washington looks forward to working with Morsi’s government “on the basis of mutual respect.”

“Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and President-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry,” Carney said.