French president-elect Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after his election win on Sunday, promising to visit Berlin soon, and discussed Brexit with British Prime Minister Theresa May, sources said.
Macron, who defeated far-right leader Marine Le Pen in Sunday's run-off election, had a 10-minute phone conversation with Merkel, telling her that he would travel to Berlin "very quickly," a source close to him said, describing it as a "very warm" exchange.
Supporters of President-elect Emmanuel Macron celebrate in Paris, France May 7, 2017. /Reuters
Macron also spoke later to British Prime Minister Theresa May and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his aides said.
Macron will be an important player in Britain's looming negotiations with the European Union on exiting the bloc.
A spokesman for the British prime minister said May had warmly congratulated him and told him she looked forward to working with him on a range of shared issues.
"The leaders briefly discussed Brexit and the prime minister reiterated that the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave," the spokesman said.
"The prime minister and president-elect Macron looked forward to meeting and holding discussions at the upcoming NATO and G7 summits," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday sent Macron a message to congratulate him on his election victory, and told him Russia was ready for constructive work with France on bilateral and global issues, the Kremlin said.
US President Donald Trump also tweeted his congratulations on Macron's "big win", saying he looked forward to working with him.
Trump tweeted his congratulations on Macron's win on Sunday.
Europe defended
Outgoing president Francois Hollande, who brought Macron into politics, said the result "confirms that a very large majority of our fellow citizens wanted to unite around the values of the Republic and show their attachment to the European Union".
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, told Macron: "I am delighted that the ideas you defended of a strong and progressive Europe, which protects all its citizens, will be those that you will carry into your presidency".
Supporters of President-elect Emmanuel Macron celebrate in Paris, France, May 7, 2017. /Reuters
Macron told Merkel on the phone that with whom he hopes to revitalise the Franco-German axis at the heart of the EU.
(Source: agencies)
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