President Putin congratulates Macron; urges him to overcome mutual distrust

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday urged French election winner Emmanuel Macron to bridge deep rifts and work together to fight the "growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism".

"The citizens of France entrusted you to lead the country in a difficult period for Europe and for the entire world community. The growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism is accompanied by an escalation of local conflicts and the destabilisation of entire regions," Putin said in a congratulatory telegram released by the Kremlin.

"In these conditions, it is especially important to overcome mutual distrust and join forces to ensure international stability and security."