Modi, global leaders congratulate Macron on win

Paris/New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron after he surged to victory against far-right's Marine Le Pen in Sunday's French Presidential election runoff.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Macron after he was declared winner.

"I look forward to working closely with President-elect @EmmanuelMacron to further strengthen India-France ties," Modi tweeted.

"Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron for an emphatic victory in the French Presidential election. #Presidentielle2017," he added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump were among the first of the global leaders to congratulate Macron on his victory.

"The Prime Minister warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success," Downing Street said in a statement. "France is one of our closest allies and we look forward to working with the new President on a wide range of shared priorities".

Trump, similarly wasted little time in extending his congratulations, despite earlier having backed Le Pen.

"Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!" Trump tweeted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Macron to bridge deep rifts in a congratulatory telegram released by the Kremlin.

"The growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism is accompanied by an escalation of local conflicts and the destabilisation of entire regions ... it is especially important to overcome mutual distrust and join forces to ensure international stability and security."

Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated the victor, saying China and France shared a "responsibility towards peace and development in the world".

"China stands ready to work with France to move the strategic Sino-French partnership to a higher level," Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel tweeted her congratulations saying that Macron's win was "a victory for a strong, united Europe".

Outgoing French President Francois Hollande also wished Macron on Twitter: "All my wishes of success for our country."

Hollande, who had backed Macron in the second round, later called his former Economic Adviser and Economy Minister to congratulate him on his win.

"His large victory confirms that a very great majority of our fellow citizens wanted to rally to the values of the Republic and mark their attachment to the European Union as well as to France's open attitude to the world," Hollande was quoted as saying.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on the result of France's presidential election: "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Emmanuel Macron on his election as the next President of France."

Democrat Hillary Clinton also congratulated Macron and tweeted: "Victory for Macron, for France, the EU, & the world. Defeat to those interfering w/democracy. (But the media says I can't talk about that)."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker extended his congratulations on Macron's election victory, saying he was happy that "the French have chosen European future".

European Council President Donald Tusk also congratulated Macron, saying the French have chosen "liberty, equality, and fraternity".