Macron wishes Russia success after Putin's re-election

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday wished Russia and its people success in its political, democratic, economic and social modernization after Vladimir Putin won the presidential election.

Macron spoke to his Russian counterpart over the phone after Sunday’s election victory.

"In the name of France, the French president offered Russia and the Russian people his wishes for success with the modernization of the country on the political, democratic, economic and social fronts," the Elysee said in a statement.

"He [Macron] stressed his commitment to a constructive dialogue between Russia, France and Europe."

Macron also expressed his "great concern" over the situation in Afrin and in Eastern Ghouta, and called on Russia "to do its best to stop the fighting and civilian casualties."

On Ukraine, the statement said France "remained firmly committed to the full re-establishment of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders".

Regarding the March 4 poisoning of a former Russian agent living in southwest England, Macron urged "Russian authorities to shed light on the responsibilities for the unacceptable attack in Salisbury, and to firmly regain control of any programs that have not been declared to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons."

"He [Macron] informed the Russian president of measures taken to ensure the security of our citizens," the statement added.

The French leader said cooperation between Europe and Russia is "essential to Europe's security" and is in everyone's interest.