NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has congratulated Libya on its parliamentary elections, saying the vote is “an impressive step forward” in the country's transition.

In a statement Wednesday, he praised both politicians and Libyans who took part in the election earlier this month for the 200-seat national assembly.

Results released Tuesday showed the alliance of parties led by former rebel prime minister Mahmoud Jibril winning 39 of the 80 seats set aside for parties, beating out its Islamist rivals.

Rasmussen pledged NATO's support to Libya, saying the alliance is ready, if requested, to help build modern security and defense institutions.