Dharamsala, Jan 18 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Monday congratulated Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Tsai Ing-wen on winning Taiwan's presidential election.

"It's indeed encouraging to see how firmly rooted democracy has become in Taiwan," the Nobel Peace laureate said in a statement.

The opposition DPP leader was elected as the first female president of Taiwan in a landmark election. She garnered 56.1 percent vote last week, ending pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) or Nationalist Party's rule in Taiwan for eight years.

Saluting the people of Taiwan, he said: "It's a model and source of inspiration to those who aspire for freedom and accountable leadership. As someone dedicated to promoting democracy, I salute what the people of Taiwan have accomplished."

Recalling his visits to Taiwan, the Tibetan leader said when he met Tsai Ing-wen in 2009, he was able to see for himself the progress the people had made in economy and education sectors.

"Links established with mainland China in business and trade should grow and be extended to include increased people-to-people exchanges," the Dalai Lama added.